Manage emotions through reason.
I have noticed that my emotional reactions are my first responses to any event. When I analyse it, I see that emotional reactions are the default way people function. Emotions and instincts developed as we evolved from simple to complex life forms. In the course of our evolutionary history, we developed the ability to reason. This ability is rather new and is most required and used when the old emotional capabilities cannot meet the challenges . Emotions and instincts were sufficient for survival most of the time. Emotional brain mode grew to be the master of our mind most of the time, it's first responder. We never developed the ability to intercept events with reason, unless emotionality or instincts failed. With such realization, awareness of the way our minds work become a little more accessible. With awareness, the possibility of playing the potential difference a logical action makes as opposed to an emotional one can be done at leisure.
So, pause to analyze potential behaviors in terms of cost and benefit. This lets you pick the most beneficial behavior. This becomes a way of thought control that can be learnt even for people born with rough temperaments. Man has gone through a few major developments in education - arts, sciences, training to be doctor etc.. I think it will be very fruitful to get educated in the way our minds work and how to train them to be free of our animal like brain. Especially true when there are irrational brains committing the the most cruel acts all to satisfy their reward centers in irrational parts of their brains. We have the knowledge and technology to do this.
I have tried the strategy of pausing, analyzing the cost and benefits of various behaviors before picking one in some situations recently. The results have been surprising. It is has helped me lower anger, tension, anxiety and such. When debating something a great insight is to give up the goal of winning the argument. Give your opponent credit and look to draw out the best of his/her thoughts.
