‘What do you mean this is a ticket to Madagascar?!’. Picture: Thinkstock

Here are six common situations and how to cope.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL DURING A HEATED ARGUMENT

When things get heated, nothing gets done. “When people are angry a lot of the time it has nothing to do with you,” says life coach Lisa Philips. “They could be having a bad day and you just get the brunt of it.”

One of the best ways to deflate anger is to be nice back. Ms Philips suggests using phrases like ‘I understand how you feel’ to try to resolve or temper the situation.

“Sometimes you might have to say, ‘I am going to come back to you’ and walk away for a bit. Sometimes you might need to give yourself time to calm down. The first few minutes of an argument are chaos. Pause for thought, put yourself in their shoes, and look at what you can do to resolve the problem.”

‘I told you, I don’t want no Kris Kringle gift.’ Source: News Limited

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL DURING CONFRONTATION

Your neighbour’s been noisy and you know you’re going to have to deal with it. How can you do that in a non-threatening way?

“Don’t avoid conflict, it’s a really good way of getting things done,” says Ms Philips. “What’s important is the way you deal with it.

“Use clear, calm, short statements. Tell them what you’d like them to do. Be courteous. Always take someone with you if you feel threatened, look after your physical safety. Otherwise, look at it as an opportunity to build your confidence in speaking up, and know by speaking up about something you’re valuing your own needs.”

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL WHEN MONEY GETS TIGHT

This time of year can be a stressful time financially for many people. You’ve got presents to buy, dinners to attend, and hidden costs popping up all over the place. But the good news is, it’s never too late to adjust your budget or limit your spending.

“Set a gift budget with your friends, partner and family, and stick to it, that way you’re all on the same playing field come Christmas Day,” advises Kirsty Lamont, Director of Mozo.com.au.

“If it’s not too late, leave your credit card in your wallet and pay for Christmas with the money you have rather than putting Christmas on credit. This time of year means it’s easy to let generosity get the better of you but your bank balance will thank you for showing some restraint.

“If you can, offer to host the get-together and ask your guests to bring a plate and their favourite festive tipple. Otherwise, suggest a BYO restaurant or outdoor picnic instead of budget-busting set menus and overpriced wine. This can be tough if you’re not the organiser and that’s when you might need to prioritise your gatherings in favour of the more money-friendly options.”

Christmas time is rife for family arguments. Picture: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Source: Supplied

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL AT A FAMILY DINNER

What is it about families that pushes our buttons so? It’s probably got something to do with the fact that they know our ‘hot buttons’ better than anyone else.

“If you continually get annoyed at the same thing, or are particularly sensitive to a certain topic like your weight, that’s a ‘hot button’,” explains Ms Philips — and it’s families who call us out on these things more than anyone else.

“The key is to recognise that the angrier we get is because somebody’s triggered a ‘hot button’. Be aware of these things, and if you continually get annoyed at the same thing, it might be something you need to deal with. Don’t take things personally, and don’t fly back with insults — go away, calm down, and come back later when you’re feeling a little less firey.”

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR

We are all familiar with the feeling — staring at your cupboard hopelessly before you attend a big event. The best solution for this situation boils down to one word: planning.

Organiser guru Dorothy Breininger has devised a Personal Closet Valet System, which lets you organise your wardrobe by outfit, rather than by item.

“A Personal Closet Valet System is not about organising short sleeves with short sleeves,” she says. “It’s all about trying on outfits, deciding what you like, and taking a photograph of yourself in the outfit. That way, when you’re on the run and ready to go, your “Valet” has already pulled your outfit together.”

Here are Ms Breininger’s tips for creating a system at home:

1. Make a pact to create at least seven to ten outfits with the clothes that are in your closet.

2. Slide open your closet door.

3. Create an outfit from what you’ve got and do it in no more than 5 minutes.

4. Use your scarfs and jewellery to accessorise.

5. Snap a photo of yourself in the outfit.

6. Capture the look and keep it on a bulletin board near your closet.

7. This is as time-efficient and as ready-to-go as you can get. Once the pictures are posted, there is no more thinking required when getting ready.

Stay cool by remembering not to sweat the small stuff. Source: News Limited

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL DURING THE DAILY GRIND

The weather, people’s attitudes, whether your banana bruises in your bag, the traffic — there are so many things operating outside of our control every day. The secret to coping? Don’t sweat the small stuff.

“Life has so many forces greater than us at work. I once heard that we can control only 20 per cent of our daily lives,” says life coach Susie Moore. “But what we can do is give 100 per cent to our 20 per cent and surrender the rest. Doesn’t that take the pressure off a little?”

Indeed. Ms Moore recommends spending ten minutes each morning focusing on the day ahead and what you want from it.

“No reaching for your phone as soon as the alarm stops!” she says. “The first few minutes after waking are the most crucial in setting the tone and your mood for the entire day. Make tea or coffee if your wish and just spend those precious minutes visualising the good day head.

“Think to yourself — how do I want to feel today? What would I love to achieve? Even the small, simple things count — like calling your brother, researching an interesting course or writing a thank you card.”

Stay cool: It’s just traffic. Source: ThinkStock