Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Adewale Faith, simply known as Faith, was disqualified from the recently concluded reality TV show for his inability to control his anger in public after an altercation with fellow housemate, Sultana. In a viral video of the incident, he was seen engaging in physical violence, forcefully dragging a bucket from Sultana until she fell.
The development, which came just three days before the grand finale on Sunday, led to Faith’s disqualification despite being tipped as one of the favourites to win the show. Faith’s disqualification further emphasised the importance of anger management.
There is no doubt that everyone gets angry from time to time, but the way it is expressed, especially in public, can leave a lasting impression.
Outbursts can damage relationships, harm reputations, or even escalate situations unnecessarily. That is why learning how to control anger in public is an important skill for maintaining self-respect and earning the respect of others.
Staying calm when emotions run high does not mean suppressing feelings; rather, it means responding thoughtfully and managing reactions constructively.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five ways to control anger in public without losing your cool.
1. Take deep breaths
Breathing deeply helps slow down the body’s stress response. When anger rises, your heartbeat and blood pressure increase, making you feel ready to explode. A few controlled breaths calm your nervous system and give you a moment to think before reacting.
Try inhaling slowly through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and exhaling through your mouth. This simple practice can quickly help you regain control when tensions rise in public.
2. Walk away if possible
This is another way to control your anger in public. If a situation feels overwhelming, stepping away can prevent things from escalating. A short break creates space between your emotions and the trigger, making it easier to respond calmly later.
Walking away is not weakness, but it’s wisdom instead. Whether it’s moving to another room, stepping outside, or even counting to ten silently, this pause allows your mind to reset.
3. Think before you speak
When emotions are high, words often come out sharper than intended. Taking a brief moment to process your thoughts prevents saying something you may regret.
Instead of reacting instantly, pause and consider the consequences of your words. This short delay can make the difference between resolving a conflict and creating a bigger one.
4. Focus on solutions
Staying angry at the problem often fuels more frustration. Shifting your energy to finding solutions helps reduce negative emotions and creates a sense of control.
For example, instead of shouting about a mistake, suggest ways it can be fixed. This approach makes you look composed and proactive, even under pressure.
5. Practise relaxation techniques
Techniques such as repeating calming words, visualising a peaceful scene, or gently stretching your muscles can reduce tension in the heat of the moment. These strategies help your body counter the physical signs of anger. The more often you practise relaxation methods, the easier they become to use when anger strikes.