The last time I lost my temper I was, stupidly, angry at a dog. Really angry. He had very nearly pulled me into the street, and in that second of shock, I managed to forget I was dealing with a dog. I didn’t hurt him, but I did yell, which scared him. I still feel bad about it, but we made up afterwards.
I don’t lose my temper very often. When I do, I don’t feel the need to destroy things. I rarely even yell, really. Mostly, I simply say things I don’t mean. I sometimes regret that afterwards.
It doesn’t take long for me to calm down, but it does take an active effort. I can’t explain how I do it. I simply decide I’d like to feel differently, and then make it happen. A sip of water often helps, as well as smiling or taking a breath.