Have you ever thought about your anger? About what pushes your buttons, sets you off or really frustrates you?

I've been thinking a lot about that lately. And I'm not talking about the people — and behaviors — that are likely triggers. They will always be there. Instead, I'm thinking more broadly and introspectively.

I'm looking at the choices I make that set the wheels in motion for me to be more easily agitated. Here's what I've noticed.

Stress is a precursor to anger.

I am calmer on days when I'm engaged in one or two long tasks rather than a dozen short ones. I'm more easily frustrated when I'm concerned about time. And, unfortunately, I am especially compromised when those two situations overlap, which they often do.

The more things I attempt to accomplish in a day, the more rushed and time-conscious I have to be. All of these situations cause me to feel stressed, and ultimately leave me less tolerant of the behaviors of others.

Knowing these internal triggers is helpful, but knowing what to do about them is even better. Here are a few tips to help manage stress and reclaim control of your temper:

1. Consciously plan your day and week. Being booked end to end with meetings and engagements — enjoyable or not — takes a toll. This is especially true for me with having two young children who require a well of my energy at the end of the day. As a result, I've been paring down my activities and commitments and am trying to be conscious of my energy levels.

2. Limit the use of your smartphone. Do you need to check email every 20 minutes? No. If it's actually an important/business email, you most likely don't have the time or resources necessary to respond if you're out of the office. Using it during off hours also presents a challenge. You need to allow yourself down time.

3. Take a walk. Being outside in the fresh air always rejuvenates me and builds me up. My mood is better and, of course, it's good for my body, too.

4. Say "no." No to joining committees, volunteering or participating in activities that are not deeply important to you. If you're a "people pleaser," this can be difficult. I keep perspective by remembering that I must consciously plan my time, and that my goal of being calm and peaceful is vitally important.

While managing stress levels may not be your solution to managing your temper, I hope it encourages you to look inward and determine what situations are precursors for your own. Learning these things about yourself is an important step to mitigating conflicts, managing mood and maintaining healthy relationships.