You may be able to shake off the frustration caused by others at first. But in the end, you have to learn what to do when people get on your nerves.
As a human, you can only handle so much pressure. This includes the little things, like when someone gets on your nerves. And they will. No matter how well you get along with others, there will always be that situation or that person that can push you over the edge.
What do you do when people get on your nerves?
When someone gets on your nerves, the last thing you should do is lose your temper. I know, I know, easier said than done, right? However, when you master this, you can do incredible things. Because I’m not going to lie, it can be hard to keep your head up when people get on your nerves.
But let me suggest some things you can try.
- Use visualizations
Remember the old “count to ten” tip that was used to help calm anger. Yes, that usually stops around six o’clock, and I slammed it anyway. Now, I’m not going to say it never works, but you need to focus more attention away from what or who is bothering you.
Try visualization instead.
The visualization goes somewhere else in your mind, but only temporarily. When people get on your nerves, take a moment and imagine your favorite or quietest location.
You can think of the beach, a mountain cabin, or your childhood home. But just for a moment, remove your thoughts from the present for a quick break. This helps you regulate your emotions, reducing the risk of angry outbursts.
- Be honest
If someone is getting on your nerves, just tell them. You don’t have to be mean or say bad things to them. Try to be tactful and tell them that what they are doing or saying is starting to bother you.
Communication is very important, and it should be used that way too.
Keep in mind that what you say will depend on who you are talking to. Sometimes you can ask them to stop talking for a minute, and other times, you may need to discuss how you feel with them in more detail.
- Step away for a moment
If you are experiencing a high level of stress from someone, sometimes it is best to leave the site. Whether this is a professional or informal setting.
You can feel your emotions getting stronger and anger rising. When you do that, and someone gets on your nerves, you may have to leave. The process of walking away allows you to calm down, and it also sends a message to the person who is bothering you.
- Focus on your breathing
When that intense moment comes, your heart may race. When someone’s words or actions start to make you more stressed, your breathing will change too. You’ll likely take short, shallow breaths because you feel angry and stressed at the same time.
When someone upsets you severely, you may have a panic attack. That’s why it’s important to stop and focus on your breathing.
When you notice changes in your body, inhale and exhale while closing your eyes. Focus on this more than what is happening. Within a short period, your breathing rate will return to normal again. This helps you stay engaged with the situation at hand.
- Get rid of hate
There comes a time when someone can get on your nerves so much that you start to feel hatred towards them. This is not a good way to feel about someone.
I think it’s okay if you don’t like what people do, but hate is a strong word. Hate causes bitterness and hurts you physically as well. Negative feelings of disgust can cause headaches, insomnia, and even decreased immunity.
So, practice relieving any hatred you feel toward someone. Remember that they are human beings, and we should not hold hatred in our hearts towards others.
- Use a spell
If you’re in the middle of a stressful situation and about to break down, whisper your mantra. A mantra is a phrase you say repeatedly to calm fears. You can say things like,
“I will be calm”
“Just leave it”
“I’m stronger than I think”
By saying these things, you remind yourself that when people get on your nerves, it will pass. Nothing is permanent, and you are strong enough to weather the storm.
- Instead, be kind
Try to be nice to the person who gets on your nerves. Yes, you may have already tried this, but keep doing it. Why? Because there’s a reason why it bothers you so much.
There are roots to their chaos, arguments, complaining, and unreasonable actions. Try to find out what’s going on with the other person while being kind.
Yes, you may need to perform visualizations and focus on your breathing, but understanding the root of problems has always been a good place to start.
- Talk to someone about it
If you’re not in an argument with the person who’s getting on your nerves, talk to someone who’s not. But you should be careful who you talk to, as some individuals only want to talk to get negative information.
If you think someone is just listening to gossip or to hurt someone, that’s the wrong support system. Choose wisely and find a safe person to help you get things off your chest. This will refresh you before you face a stressful situation again.
