How to Deal With Anger
Anger is a natural emotion that all but the most at-peace people experience at some point in their lives. You may get angry because of a specific circumstance -- for example, how someone treated you poorly or how you have to deal with too much on a specific day -- or you may deal with anger on a constant basis, the smallest actual or even perceived transgressions sending raw emotion coursing throughout your body. Learn to deal with anger not only for the sake of those around you but for your own health as well.
Step Away
- When you're faced with a situation that makes you angry, do not let yourself explode. You do not have to force yourself to ignore these feelings, either. Instead, step away for as long as you can; excuse yourself to the restroom for a moment if need be. Take some time to yourself. Close your eyes, and inhale and exhale slowly. Count to 10 with each new breath. This will help diffuse the biological process going on in your body that makes you feel so angry. If possible, take as much as an hour to step away from the situation and meditate.
Meditation
- As often as possible, especially in the middle of a hectic, stressful day, take 15 minutes or up to one hour to meditate. Play calming music, and sit or stand in a somewhat darkened room. Do yoga, stretches or light aerobic exercise during your meditation period. Pay close attention to your breathing, and make a point of breathing slowly. Do not let yourself think about the things that make you angry. At the end of your meditation session, you'll have a clearer mind less likely to make rash decisions, and you can address the issue effectively.
Body in Good Condition
- Eating healthy balanced meals and snacks throughout the day and exercising regularly go a long way toward inhibiting your body's natural tendency toward anger. Not eating right and not exercising can make you feel sick and irritable. Make sure you get between six and eight hours of sleep per night on roughly the same schedule each day. Failure to do so can make you cranky. If you need help accomplishing any of these goals or you don't know where to start, make an appointment with your doctor.
Seek Professional Help
- Some anger and feelings of resentment are so deep-rooted, it takes professional guidance and sometimes medication for a person to be able to heal. If anger is so distracting to you that you can barely function, or if you frequently have outbursts of anger that those around you can see, seek professional assistance. Your doctor can refer you to a trained psychologist or psychiatrist. There also are community centers and houses of worship that offer counselors. You might find a support group that meets in your area; these groups allow you to work through your anger issues with others who share similar experiences.
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