Managing Your Anger

Let me first tell you that I am not against Anger. It’s an emotion just like happiness. When I say “Anger Management”, I am basically talking about converting Anger energy, anger emotion to a productive, progressive, effort taking force. Because, how you handle your anger makes all the difference in how a situation progresses.

If you occasionally find yourself getting angry or “losing it” by doing or saying things you later regret, good news! You can alter how you respond to feelings of anger.

I have collected few really cool strategies will help you to convert your angry feelings for a more positive outcome:
 
1. Keep your “Feeling” meter ON. To more effectively manage your anger, try staying connected with your emotions at all times. This way, you can be proactive in heading off any anger that could be developing.

When you can put a name on how you’re feeling, like “annoyed” or “frustrated,” you’ll learn to better understand yourself and how your emotions work.

2. Shot at sight to Anger goons. Recognize the first signs of anger feeling and tackle it quickly. Annoyance, irritation, and frustration are all precursors to anger. These emotions can signal the potential of an impending angry outburst.

As soon as you sense the development of the precursors to anger, it’s time vacate the area. This way, you won’t be reacting later in ways that will come back to haunt you. Instead, you’ll have time to cool down before you respond.

3. Politely let them know what you feel. Let people know that you’re feeling annoyed, frustrated or irritated, and that you’re going in the other room (or out for a walk) until you feel calmer. Then, leave the room. When you’re feeling annoyed or irritated isn’t the best time to engage in a discussion that could inflame those feelings.

4. Let it go. Whenever you find yourself with high emotions, learn to allow your feelings to pass through you and away from you. Use visualization to imagine them floating up to the sky in a big, black cloud and drifting away. Promise yourself you’ll hold no grudges against anyone.
 
5. Be kind to yourself. Tell yourself that you’ve made it this far and you’ll get through these upsetting feelings. Do something that lightens your emotions like watching your favourite comedy on TV, listening to your favourite upbeat music, taking a walk, or waxing the car. Whatever activity helps you calm down and relax can be used to self-soothe. Avoid using food, alcohol, or other substances as methods of making you feel better. If you’re inclined to use these, try a cup of non-caffeinated tea instead.

6. Celebrate small successes. Recognize episodes when you calmly exited and avoided an angry display of emotions. You handled your feelings successfully. Give yourself a mental pat on the back!

7. Don’t be Angry on yourself. If your emotions are driven by other people’s action, its an ultimate slavery. Your anger can only harm you and no one else. I might sound spiritual here, but no one should dictate your feelings to go nuts. Be spiritual, have mediation as daily ritual, accept the person, situation, nature the way as it is. If you remove the friction of expectations, you will automatically control your anger.

As you learn to manage your anger, you’ll feel more self-confidence and contentment in life. Employ the above strategies and learn to be a better partner and a happier person by successfully handling your temper and emotions

Cheers!
Rishi