Losing our temper can hurt us both physically and emotionally. Sometimes, the hurt even extends to our loved ones and the people around us. To avoid this, it is important for us to understand anger and to learn how to deal with it.
Anger is a feeling of displeasure or antagonism towards a person, object or situation that is perceived to have done you wrong. The normal reaction of an angry person is to be aggressive, this is a natural reaction that allows us to fight and defend ourselves when we are attacked.
Individuals deal with anger in different ways, there are those who use it to express negative feelings and come up with positive resolutions and there are those who let it out of control and become destructive. Here are some things that we can do to take control of our emotions.
-
Relax and take a breather. Calm angry feelings by using relaxation techniques such as taking deep breaths while picturing a relaxing image and repeat calm words to yourself i.e. relax, it’s ok, take it easy, etcetera.
-
Replace angry thoughts with rational ones. Understanding that remaining angry cannot do anything to improve your situation helps in moving towards positive results.
-
Think before you speak. We often say things that we regret whenever we are angry. Slowing down and choosing words carefully as well as listening carefully to the other person helps in resolving conflicts.
-
Use humor to lighten up your situation. Funny thoughts can help you diffuse your rage.
-
Take some time-off for yourself. Sometimes anger is caused by constantly being in a stressful environment. Changing your environment from time to time can give you space and can enable you to see things rationally.
I’ve toned my temper down a LOT in the past decade or so…it’s tough but it CAN be done!
When I get mad at my husband I sometimes have to just leave and that makes him angry! I tell him that I need to calm down and NOT around him. He doesn’t get it.