PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Health
Psychological Health
Emotions and Feelings
Crying
How to Stop Crying when Angry Download Article Exercises and emotional processing tools to manage crying Co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS
Last Updated: July 17, 2025 References
Download Article
Using Mental Approaches
|
Using Physical Approaches to Stop Crying
|
Video
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. This article has been viewed 112,598 times.
Crying when you get angry is a normal response, but it’s not always something you welcome. You can stop crying while you are angry by using both mental and physical approaches. Talking about your anger, thinking about positive events, and reflecting on your anger can help curb the tears. You can also remove yourself from the situation or engage in exercise to help you stop crying.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using Mental Approaches
Download Article
1 Understand that crying is a healthy emotional response. Crying is normal, and people cry for many reasons. Some people cry out of fear, frustration, or anger. Others cry from shock, feeling overwhelmed, or out of empathy for others. If you cry when you are angry, it’s important to recognize there is nothing wrong with you![1]XResearch source
2 Use mental grounding techniques to calm your emotions. Grounding yourself in the present moment may help you calm the emotions that are causing you to cry. When you're grounded in the moment, it's easier to cope with inconveniences and stresses that might otherwise cause you to react. Luckily, you can use grounding techniques without anyone noticing. Here are some ways to ground yourself:[2]XResearch source
Count backwards from 50 using only even numbers.
Say the alphabet backwards in your head.
Try to remember all of the words to your favorite happy song.
Do a breathing exercise where you count to 10 on your inhale, then hold for 10. Exhale for a count of 10, and repeat as needed.
Engage your senses while drinking a hot mug of tea or coffee. Notice the heat from the cup, the smell of the tea or coffee, the taste of the drink, the color of the tea or coffee, and the sounds around you.
Notice everything blue in your environment.
Advertisement
3 Acknowledge how you are feeling without judging yourself. If you can go somewhere private and speak aloud, do so. Notice the emotions you're feeling and the physical reaction you're having in your body. Don't try to stop feeling this way, and don't try to explain yourself. Just focus on naming the feelings.
For instance, you might say this: "I feel angry right now. My stomach is churning, my throat feels tight, and my muscles feel tensed. I feel like I need to cry it out so I can relax again."
4 Talk about your anger with the people involved in the situation. When we are angry, it’s often difficult to express ourselves through words. This can result in tears, and prevent you from having a productive conversation about the issues making you mad. When you get angry, communicate directly with the other person about your anger. Tell the other person why you are angry, and avoid blaming them for your anger.
Try saying, “I feel very angry right now. I would like to talk about why I’m angry without blaming one another.”
You could also say, “This situation is causing me to feel very angry. Can we have a constructive conversation about what happened?”
5 Think about something funny to curb your tears. Replacing negative, angry thoughts with humorous ones can help stop the flow of tears when you’re feeling angry. Conjure up an image or memory in your mind that makes you want to laugh out loud. Focus on this imagery or situation to curb your tears.[3]XResearch source
Try thinking about the funniest moment you can remember in your life. Replay the series of events in your mind.
Allow yourself to laugh out loud if it will help curb your tears.
Think about a funny television show or movie you saw recently.
Tell yourself a joke that you find hilarious.
6 Allow positive thoughts to take center stage when you feel overwhelmed. When you are angry and feel like you are on the verge of tears, try replacing your angry feelings with positive, happier thoughts. This can help curb the onslaught of tears, and allow you to remove yourself from the situation mentally.[4]XResearch source
Think about the things in your life that make you feel grateful, such as being healthy, having a job, or your friends and family.
Allow yourself to think about something you’re really looking forward to, such as an upcoming concert, home-cooked meal, or vacation you are planning.
7 Reflect on your anger through writing. While you might not have a journal or notebook handy every time you feel angry tears erupting, you can write about your feelings after the fact. Reflecting on why you are angry and ways you can stop crying while angry can help you achieve your goals.
Try writing down a few thoughts regarding your anger when you feel the tears beginning.
Write about your feelings after an episode of angry crying to help you process your emotions.
Make a list of the things that anger you about a particular situation. Beside each item write about why each things causes you to feel anger.
8 Talk to a professional if this is a recurrent issue. Seeking professional help can aid you in controlling your anger and changing the ways in which you react. Try making an appointment with a mental health professional like a counselor or therapist. They can help you work through your anger by modifying your behavior, identifying your triggers, and helping you practice effective ways of coping with anger.
Make sure you contact your health insurance provider to determine what types of services are covered by your insurance plan.
If you are a student, try talking to your school counselor or seek services at a university counseling center. These services are often free or low cost.
Advertisement Quiz
wikiHow Quiz: Do I Have Anger Issues?
Anger: we all feel it sometimes, whether it's a flash of irritation or a period of boiling rage. On its own, it can be a perfectly valid, healthy, and understandable feeling—but it’s less than ideal if red-hot anger is becoming your default reaction to most events and situations. While only a licensed mental health professional can gauge if you have anger issues or not, it’s super easy (and important!) to keep tabs on how you’re thinking and feeling. Take this quiz to do a quick check-in with yourself. 1 of 12
The person in front of you in line is taking a super long time. How are you feeling?
I’m totally cool! I’m sure they’ll be done soon.
It’s a little annoying, but it’s not the end of the world.
I can’t lie—I’m pretty frustrated.
I’m so done. Hurry it up, will you?!
Next Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Using Physical Approaches to Stop Crying
Download Article
1 Walk away from the situation. Being in the middle of an anger-inducing situation can cause tears and frustration, fueling your anger and limiting your ability to deal with the issues at hand. If you begin to cry out of anger, and are in a position to change your surroundings, simply walk away. Removing yourself from the situation can give you the time and space you need to control your tears.[5]XResearch source
Try saying, “I am feeling very angry right now and need to remove myself from this situation.”
You could also say, “I need to go for a walk. I’ll be gone for 15 minutes and we can discuss this issue when I return.”
2 Breathe deeply. A great way to relax, regain control, and stop crying while angry is through breathing. A series of deep breaths can calm you, while the shallow breathing common during an episode of anger can actually cause more anxiety and angry feelings. Try taking a slow, deep breath through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand as you inhale. Exhale fully and repeat until you feel calm.[6]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Try taking at least 5 deep breaths, exhaling fully between each breath.
Try inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
3 Relax the muscles in your face. Relaxing your facial muscles can help calm your mind, stopping tears in their tracks. For example, if your eyebrow muscles are tense or furrowed, you are more likely to feel anger and experience a bout of crying. Try relaxing the lower middle part of your forehead, while breathing deeply.[7]XResearch source
You can also try relaxing your jaw by touching the tip of your tongue to the back of your front teeth. This will help you unclench your jaw and relax your facial muscles.
If it feels hard to relax your muscles, try progressive muscle relaxation. Intentionally tense your muscles, then relax them.
4 Look up. If you find yourself angry with tears forming, a good way to help curb the crying is by looking up. This method will allow the tears to pool in the bottom of your eye, instead of running down your cheeks. The act of looking up can help you ground yourself while also curbing the flow of tears.[8]XResearch source
Try breathing deeply while looking up to add an element of relaxation to the action.
5 Blink rapidly to clear away the first tears. Blinking is a powerful tool you can employ to fight angry crying. When you first begin to cry, try blinking rapidly to clear away the initial tears. You can use this method in combination with the other ideas listed above to bring your crying to a close.[9]XResearch source
Try looking up while blinking rapidly.
Breathe deeply while blinking rapidly to help calm yourself while curbing the tears.
6 Don’t blink if you feel tears forming. Another way to use your eyelids to your advantage is by avoiding blinking. If you feel like you might cry, don’t blink! Open your eyes wide and allow the air to dry out any tears that may have formed.
Try looking up while avoiding blinking.
7 Engage in exercise to cool down. Exercise can help you stop crying. It’s also a great way to release your anger, which can help you calm down and communicate effectively with those involved in the anger-inducing situation. Try going for a walk, hitting up a yoga class, going on a run, or having a dance party in your living room.
If you find yourself crying while exercising, let the tears flow! This can help you fully process your anger.
Reader Poll: We asked 245 wikiHow readers if going for a walk helps them relax, and 59% of them said yes. [Take Poll] Walking has been proven to help boost mood, calm anxiety, and increase physical fitness—which can lead you to become a healthier, happier version of yourself.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How toStop Yourself from CryingHow toStop CryingHow toHold Back TearsHow toStop Crying when You Are Very UpsetHow toCalm Down when You're Upset11 Effective Ways to Stand Up for Yourself Without CryingHow toNot CryHow toCalm Down When You are AngryHow toHide That You've Been CryingHow toNot Be a Cry BabyWhy Do I Cry When People Yell At Me? Potential Reasons & How to Deal With ItHow toRelease AngerHow toStop Being EmotionalHow toControl Anger Advertisement
Co-authored by: Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS Professional Counselor This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. This article has been viewed 112,598 times. 7 votes - 83% Co-authors: 6Updated: July 17, 2025 Views: 112,598 Categories: Anger Management | Crying In other languages Spanish German French
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 112,598 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS Professional Counselor Co-authors: 6Updated: July 17, 2025 Views: 112,59883% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
Multidimensional Anger TestTake QuizAnger Issues TestTake QuizMental Health QuizTake QuizWhat Human Emotion Am I QuizTake QuizHow Emotionally Intelligent Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Mean QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toStop Yourself from CryingHow toStop CryingHow toHold Back TearsHow toStop Crying when You Are Very Upset
Featured Articles
What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)
Trending Articles
Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizHow Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?Answer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAttractiveness Score QuizHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials Quiz
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
How toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Discover the Secret Meaning of Your First Name10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallHow Vanilla Am I QuizAm I a High Value Man Test
Quizzes & Games
How Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizHow You Can Discover HappinessTake QuizEmotional Detachment QuizTake QuizEmotional Hypersensitivity QuizTake QuizDo I Have Anxiety QuizTake QuizHow Strong Am ITake Quiz
Categories
Health
Psychological Health
Emotions and Feelings
Crying
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Exercises and emotional processing tools to manage crying Co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS Professional Counselor This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. This article has been viewed 112,598 times. 7 votes - 83% Co-authors: 6 Updated: July 17, 2025 Views: 112,598 Categories: Anger Management | Crying In other languages Spanish German French 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
560 
1 Understand that crying is a healthy emotional response. Crying is normal, and people cry for many reasons. Some people cry out of fear, frustration, or anger. Others cry from shock, feeling overwhelmed, or out of empathy for others. If you cry when you are angry, it’s important to recognize there is nothing wrong with you![1] 
2 Use mental grounding techniques to calm your emotions. Grounding yourself in the present moment may help you calm the emotions that are causing you to cry. When you're grounded in the moment, it's easier to cope with inconveniences and stresses that might otherwise cause you to react. Luckily, you can use grounding techniques without anyone noticing. Here are some ways to ground yourself:[2] 
3 Acknowledge how you are feeling without judging yourself. If you can go somewhere private and speak aloud, do so. Notice the emotions you're feeling and the physical reaction you're having in your body. Don't try to stop feeling this way, and don't try to explain yourself. Just focus on naming the feelings. 
4 Talk about your anger with the people involved in the situation. When we are angry, it’s often difficult to express ourselves through words. This can result in tears, and prevent you from having a productive conversation about the issues making you mad. When you get angry, communicate directly with the other person about your anger. Tell the other person why you are angry, and avoid blaming them for your anger. 
5 Think about something funny to curb your tears. Replacing negative, angry thoughts with humorous ones can help stop the flow of tears when you’re feeling angry. Conjure up an image or memory in your mind that makes you want to laugh out loud. Focus on this imagery or situation to curb your tears.[3] 
6 Allow positive thoughts to take center stage when you feel overwhelmed. When you are angry and feel like you are on the verge of tears, try replacing your angry feelings with positive, happier thoughts. This can help curb the onslaught of tears, and allow you to remove yourself from the situation mentally.[4] 
7 Reflect on your anger through writing. While you might not have a journal or notebook handy every time you feel angry tears erupting, you can write about your feelings after the fact. Reflecting on why you are angry and ways you can stop crying while angry can help you achieve your goals. 
8 Talk to a professional if this is a recurrent issue. Seeking professional help can aid you in controlling your anger and changing the ways in which you react. Try making an appointment with a mental health professional like a counselor or therapist. They can help you work through your anger by modifying your behavior, identifying your triggers, and helping you practice effective ways of coping with anger. 
1 Walk away from the situation. Being in the middle of an anger-inducing situation can cause tears and frustration, fueling your anger and limiting your ability to deal with the issues at hand. If you begin to cry out of anger, and are in a position to change your surroundings, simply walk away. Removing yourself from the situation can give you the time and space you need to control your tears.[5] 
2 Breathe deeply. A great way to relax, regain control, and stop crying while angry is through breathing. A series of deep breaths can calm you, while the shallow breathing common during an episode of anger can actually cause more anxiety and angry feelings. Try taking a slow, deep breath through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand as you inhale. Exhale fully and repeat until you feel calm.[6] 
3 Relax the muscles in your face. Relaxing your facial muscles can help calm your mind, stopping tears in their tracks. For example, if your eyebrow muscles are tense or furrowed, you are more likely to feel anger and experience a bout of crying. Try relaxing the lower middle part of your forehead, while breathing deeply.[7] 
4 Look up. If you find yourself angry with tears forming, a good way to help curb the crying is by looking up. This method will allow the tears to pool in the bottom of your eye, instead of running down your cheeks. The act of looking up can help you ground yourself while also curbing the flow of tears.[8] 
5 Blink rapidly to clear away the first tears. Blinking is a powerful tool you can employ to fight angry crying. When you first begin to cry, try blinking rapidly to clear away the initial tears. You can use this method in combination with the other ideas listed above to bring your crying to a close.[9] 
6 Don’t blink if you feel tears forming. Another way to use your eyelids to your advantage is by avoiding blinking. If you feel like you might cry, don’t blink! Open your eyes wide and allow the air to dry out any tears that may have formed. 
7 Engage in exercise to cool down. Exercise can help you stop crying. It’s also a great way to release your anger, which can help you calm down and communicate effectively with those involved in the anger-inducing situation. Try going for a walk, hitting up a yoga class, going on a run, or having a dance party in your living room.