How to Manage Your Anger Better

Anger is a normal emotion any healthy person feels. It is neither good nor bad. Like any other emotion, it is trying to convey something, mainly when the situation is upsetting, threatening, or plainly unjust. 

If you were to take an anger management test today, what do you think your score is going to be? Perhaps the first thing you need to think about is how you react when you come to terms with something that causes anger.

If your initial reaction is to explode, then the people around you may react with anger of their own or fear. While it is perfectly normal for a person to be angry whenever they are feeling wronged or mistreated, you need to make sure you're civil. 

Anger is not a problem. How you show anger is what brings about trouble. 

When you express your feelings of anger, do you do it in such a way that it puts you and other people in harm's way? 

Is venting your anger normal too? Is it healthy to show people that you are angry? People who consider you a sensitive individual might go out of their way to extend their understanding of you. They will feel like your anger is justified because you are really that kind of person. 

But then again, if you need to show your fury to gain other people's respect is a whole different story. More often than not, your show of anger will hurt other people. It will impair your judgment and even get in the way of success. 

How Anger Affects You

Chronic anger can cause you to flare up from time to time. It does not matter whether the cause for anger is big or small; when your coping skills for anger are low, your show of anger will definitely lead to disaster. 

Some people who are no longer in control of themselves and their anger lean onto anger management medication. This is the kind of medication people get to help them regain control of how they feel. 

While expressions of anger may be typical, it can cause some of the following severe consequences on your end:

Physical health

When you are continually operating under high levels of stress and anger, you are making yourself more susceptible to developing severe medical conditions. This includes diabetes, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. 

Mental health

Chronic anger consumes a considerable amount of your mental energy. It clouds your thinking, making it difficult for you to focus on the task at hand. Anger also makes it difficult to enjoy life, leading you to unnecessary stress, depression, and other mental health concerns. 

Career

Creative differences, constructive criticism, and heated discussions are always welcome in the workplace environment. However, lashing out alienates others who are trying to work with you. 

Relationships

Sometimes, your expression of anger can hurt the people you love. It can get in the way of your friendship with other people. Sadly, an explosive temper can make it harder for people to trust you and even feel comfortable around you. 

If you are hot-headed and it feels like you are losing control of your anger, there is always something you can do. With several anger management techniques, you can help yourself be more in control of how you feel and how you act. 

Tips To Tame The Temper

Are you ready to get your anger under control? There are several anger management programs you can research, and many people swear by them. Before you do, consider these anger management tips to get you started on your anger-management journey:

Think before you act

When you are in the heat of the moment, it is relatively easy to say something you might not mean. But you know very well that anything you say when you are angry is something you will regret later. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and allow others who are involved in the situation to do the same thing. 

Express anger only when you are calm

When you have cleared your thoughts, it is easy to express frustration and be assertive too. However, you can do these in nonconfrontational ways. Clearly communicate your concerns, state your needs directly, without hurting others. The goal is not for you to be in control of everyone else but yourself.

Get physical 

Did you know that physical activity helps the body produce "happy hormones?" Whenever you feel like your anger is escalating, turn around and walk away. Do something physical. Dance if you want to. 

Take a timeout

The timeout may be familiar to kids, but adults can enjoy its benefits too. Give yourself some time to enjoy short, meaningful breaks in the middle of the day. This is to help you get some quiet time to prepare for the worst the could happen. 

Identify all possible solutions

You are angry and frustrated because you don't know how to resolve the issue at hand. Whether it is the messy house that your child left you to clean or the angry email from a client that your staff wants you to deal with, don't focus on the problem but the solution. After all, anger won't fix the problem. It could only make the problem worse. 

Don't blame others 

It is fairly easy to criticize and put the blame on others. However, this may only increase the tension. Be specific in the comments that you make. Always remember that you are in control of the situation. You are upset, so it is best to leave the table for a few minutes. Focus on the help you are offered. Remember to turn your negative commentaries into positive statements. The goal is to encourage others to do something about it. 

Anger management activities allow you to be in control of yourself and save yourself and the others around you from the heartbreak of regret.