Christmas 2002 and I am drunk in a bar somewhere in Abruzzo watching an Italian quiz show on the television. It was two fifty-something housewifish nanas vs ‘Matrix’ (his actual quiz show name) who was dressed in a black leather and sunglasses like Neo and the gang out of the movie. One of the kids in the bar (around eight or nine) was upset because Matrix apparently sucked at general knowledge. I still remember his little voice going ‘No! Matrix no!’ as the ‘you lose’ chime played and Matrix slouched off set to applause.

That shit was big for years. Good times.

Since no one had actually answered you: In roughly 30 minutes increments.

Do you wear a watch? I find it helps massively. Make a point of looking at it. I don’t know what your work situation is, or living situation, but if you feel the wire trip, time it. Go and take a thirty minute break elsewhere. Toilet, conference room, cupboard, who cares just as long as you can be by yourself, and not be bothered. Write a journal, note why you got pissed off. Simmering anger can sabotage easily because it is basically you against you. Like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. It can also be addictive. Note that too.

Thirty minutes I guarantee it the anger will have gone.
Plan your day so when you deal with them, you get it out of the way nice and early. You don’ t need them dropping a load of shit in your lap at 4pm on a friday. Know when to be gone, if you know what I mean.