Dealing With Anger: Control your anger before it controls you

Let’s start this one with a few questions, and answer them truthfully! When someone cuts you off in traffic, do you become irritated? When your child refuses to comply, does your blood pressure rise? When things don’t go your way, do you often lose control of your temper?

Well, you’re not alone. Anger is a natural and even beneficial emotion, but it’s critical to manage it positively. Anger that is out of control can have a negative impact on your health and relationships.

Today, we’ll look at some ways your can deal with your anger and control it before it starts controlling you. Let’s get started.

1. Think twice before speaking

It’s easy to say something you’ll later regret in the heat of the moment. Before you say anything, take a few seconds to gather your thoughts – and let those engaged in the issue do the same. This way, all of you won’t say something out of anger and animosity. Try saying “Let’s take a time out and gather our thoughts” instead of lashing out at each other.

2. Start journalling

Sometimes, it’s not easy to be able to verbalise what you’d like to say. You might be able to write what you can’t express. Make a list of how you’re feeling and how you wish to react. It might help you calm down and review the circumstances that led up to your sentiments if you write it down.

3. Move to change your environment

It’s our immediate surroundings that might irritate and enrage us at times. Problems and obligations may weigh you down and make you furious with the “trap” you’ve fallen into, as well as all the people and things who make up that trap.

Allow yourself to relax. Make sure you arrange some “personal time” for periods of the day when you know you’ll be most stressed. For example, when if you are a working mother returning home from work, it is easy to be overwhelmed when the second shift starts. It might help to have a rule that “nobody talks to Mom for the first 15 minutes unless the house is on fire.” This way, you can feel more equipped to manage demands from your children without exploding at them after this little period of silence.

The bottom-line

Anger is a common feeling that everyone goes through at some point in their lives. If, on the other hand, your anger manifests itself in violence or outbursts, you must learn to manage your anger in a healthy manner.

If these suggestions don’t work, talk to your doctor. A mental health professional or therapist can assist you in addressing the underlying causes of anger and other emotional problems.