Coping With Anger

Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure, hostility or antagonism towards someone or something, usually combined with an urge to harm, inflict pain, or injure. Most people don’t enjoy feeling angry. Anger can have unpleasant repercussions and destructive consequences for everyone concerned. Coping with anger is an important skill and here are some ways to cope with it. Try physical exercises: Physical exercise is a healthy way to release the energy and tension from anger. Take up jogging, do some aerobics or kick boxing. If exercise isn’t possible try relaxation exercises such as deep breathing. Be indifferent to those who seek to make you angry:Some people may unfortunately take a malicious pleasure in trying to make you mad. However, if we can feel indifferent to them then their words and actions will have no effect. Replace anger with empathy: Understanding the motivation behind someone else’s actions can and will help alleviate some anger towards that person. You may not agree with what they are doing but understanding their emotional frame of mind helps you replace some of your feelings of anger with empathy. Value peace more than anger: If we value peace of mind as our most important treasure we will not allow anger to remain in our system, you may have every right to be angry with someone, but you know that by getting angry with him you will only lose your precious peace of mind. Read novels, journals and magazines When you’re angry you can indulge yourself in reading inspiring novels, magazines and writing journals, let your feelings out by writing about them in a journal or create poetry or song lyrics. Use reason to stop anger. When you feel that you’re angry please step back and say to yourself, “this anger will not help me in any way. This anger will make the situation worse.” Focus on something completely different. Suppose someone has done something to make you angry. Think about something which will make you happy. Listen to or play music Music has a way of calming the soul whether it is listening to your iPod, radio or watching TV or playing an instrument. You can take a rest Anger often takes our energy away and makes us feel exhausted. Its fine to take a break, nap, or go to bed early. Sleep helps us focus so we can deal with our feelings better. Coping up with temper is hard at first! After an outburst, take responsibility for how you acted and how it affected other people. A useful way to do this is to apologize. kanye_frank@yahoo.co.uk