Emotionless poker

[0maxpower0]

Ive been playing poker seriously for a little over five years, picked up a lot of good info, been up been down, etc. Ive been on a downswing lately, and have been scratching my head, trying to figure out why. I'm know that there are cracks in my basic playing strategy, that can be filled with focus and experience and all that; but i think MY biggest flaw is giving in to the emotional swing of the individual games, as well as my overall performance. When I win a big hand I feel elated, I feel good, when i lose a big hand, I feel angry and anxious. My BR is up and so am I, if its down I'm feeling like chit. All this thinking pretty much lead me to this idea; that when playing poker you need to be completly emotionless. Im trying to keep this idea in mind when i play, and i gotta admit that it gets really tough at times. Im trying to think of things i can do before or during a tourney or a poker session, that will kinda help me keep my cool. Stress ball during play, or a cig before a tourney, whatever. Trying to keep that thought constatntly in my mind at all times.
Any tips? Some yoga? A beer? What helps you guys keep a cool head while playing? I could rly use some input.

[jefftib2000]

I listen to music and normally helps me keep my cool after being beat by a donk or something like that. Then if I'm really mad and the music doesnt work I grab a beer and just chug it down in like 20 seconds. Donks really fusterate me!

[PANAMHIEST]

Yup musice is my number one choice now. I will usually listen to some mellow

old school rock, and it seems to keep me in a good mood for the most part.

Back in the day when i first started, A dobbie would do the trick, but not no

more, got kids and stuff to worry about, so try some music!

[freeringo]

It gets easier with age.

[jefftib2000]

I'm sure it does ringo. I'm only 21 so maybe thats why it gets pretty hard on me. The music usually helps though so I like it. There have also been times where I do carry a stress ball to the desk where I play online poker. You just have to find out what you can do to keep your cool.

[Sassy12U]

I get really emotional when I play poker. Well when I lose I get really mad and upset because I don't want to lose! lol It's hard for me not to be upset because I expect to win if I play you know?! I know that you can't always win in poker but when I make a stupid move or call or all in or whatever... I get really mad. I think it's good to get mad at yourself so that you understand that you can't do it. But I guess when it comes to your bankroll, you shouldn't let it affect your money and what you play next. I've been playing somewhat in my bankroll and I notice that when I get mad at someone or the game in general, then I start to play cash games and lose my money because I am not practicing patience and that will tend to do you harm and also take away from your bankroll. I think the only way for me to not be upset is to take a break. This has worked a lot but sometimes I get so mad that I don't want to! lol or its right after I took a break and I don't think I should take another one. Maybe I could take a break for a couple of days but who doesn't like to make money?!

[navuta]

Yup musice is my number one choice now. I will usually listen to some mellow

old school rock, and it seems to keep me in a good mood for the most part.

Back in the day when i first started, A dobbie would do the trick, but not no

more, got kids and stuff to worry about, so try some music!

I preffer the complete silence.....
normaly music makes play worst...

[bouks999]

same with me ill be chips leader at a game then go down and get on tilt and end up loosing. Then ill try to get my money back.