Everyone has experienced anger in varying frequency. In most situations we can quickly control our temper, but whether it’s repressed or expressed, anger can cause difficulties for ourselves and the people around us.
When do you need to do something about your anger?
If the following occurs, we believe your anger has become a problem that must be dealt with:
- It persists in your thoughts over multiple weeks and prevents you from enjoying life
- It is due to something that happened a long time ago
- It results in actions towards revenge, especially actions of violence
- It affects your ability to work
- It hurts your relationship with family and friends
How do you manage anger?
Studies show that anger can cause serious health issues such as ulcers and heart diseases. It can lead to loss of friends, jobs, and even marriage. Luckily, there are methods for dealing with anger.
Temporary solutions
- Admit you are angry.
- Try not to overreact, remove yourself from the situation that made you angry and ask yourself questions like “if I saw someone angry in this situation, how would I view them?” or “is my anger appropriate for this situation?”
- Try to think of other thing, turn your attention elsewhere.
- Identify the source of your anger and deal with the source calmly.
- Listen to what others say, let them finish and do not interrupt. Quickly jumping to conclusions can cause misunderstandings.
Long-term solutions
- If your anger is due to issues outside of your control (such as being laid off), consult people who have successfully dealt with similar issues in the past and imitate their actions.
- Avoid blaming yourself even if it was due to your mistake. Instead, use this as an opportunity to learn.
- Use physical activities to alleviate negative emotions.
- Reduce your stress.
- Learn mindfulness and meditation.
- Learn to laugh at yourself.
- Learn to trust other’s abilities.
- Seek professional help.
- Communicate with people you trust such as family or close friends.
