Managing Anger
Just like many other emotions, Anger is a way to release pent up energy which can be helpful in certain situation if let out in a strategic way. But if it gets out of hand and results in outburst, hostility and abuse, it can be extremely problematic for oneself and for others as well.
Learning how to manage Anger or how to let it out in a healthy way takes time, experience and intelligence. It is also potent to mention here that learning these ways lead to healthy relationships, full and happy life as Dyer (2020) mentioned in the book that health, career and relationships can be ruined by pathological anger if actions to rectify it are not taken.
Before addressing the techniques to manage anger, it is important to understand that pathological anger is a response to certain underlying conditions that need to be addressed so that the management of anger becomes easier, and for that, professional help is necessary. As for now, below mentioned are certain steps that can be taken to keep on the path of emotional management before going for a consultation.
Identification of Anger problem
First and foremost, a person needs to identify whether they have an anger issue or not. Like many other emotions, Anger can also be helpful if let out in a healthy way. If it transforms into rage or hostility, then it becomes a problem and it needs rectification. Example of this can be: losing one’s control and calm when feeling disrespected or seeing someone treated poorly
Serious Anger problem have key indications that include:
- Feeling angry most of the time everyday
- Riling up over things that other people don’t get bothered by easily
- Relationships, either personal or professional, are affected by the anger
- Feelings of frustration lead to aggression, oppression and/or violence (emotional and physical)
- Unhealthy coping strategies (drug intake, risk-taking behavior etc.)
In order to change for betterment, the first step is to recognize that there is a problem.
Coping Strategies to manage emotions
When your emotions take a toll on you and your anger becomes out-of-control, which means that your emotions are controlling your behavior. Following are a few techniques which can help you take mastery over your feelings and not let them take full control.
- Distancing yourself from the triggering situation for the moment and returning back to it when you have cooled down
- Take command on Relaxation techniques – especially deep breathing. When you get full command over it then incorporate this skill when you notice your physical sensations rising up
- Time out – meaning you take some time off when you notice that things are starting to get on your nerves and you might regret something you say or do
- Engage in Physical Activity as this will calm your nerves down, bring your endorphins level down and your pent-up energy will be released. Physical activity doesn’t need to be something too rigorous, it can simply be going out for a run or a brisk walk
- Expressing your Anger, it does not mean to have unhealthy outbursts but to have a fruitful and healthy dialogue where you use Assertiveness techniques to convey what you are angry about without being offensive
These are the few tips that may help you getting started with managing your emotions and if you still can’t seem to get a hold of things, there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help. Know that Anger is an Emotion like others and it can be helpful as well. Sometimes, it simply needs managing.
