Do you ever get so angry that you feel like you could explode? If so, you’re not alone. Anger is a completely normal and natural emotion. However, it can become a problem if it’s not managed in a healthy way. That’s why I’m introducing you to 6 ways to deal with anger.
If you’re looking for ways to deal with anger in a more constructive way, check out these five tips. From deep breathing exercises to identifying your triggers, there are plenty of things you can do to manage your anger. Keep in mind, the key is to manage anger in a healthy way. Here are my top 6 ways to deal with anger.
Recognize when you’re feeling angry and try to understand the cause
Anger is a normal emotion, but how we deal with it can make all the difference. Learning to recognize when you’re feeling angry is the first step in managing it and understanding the underlying cause. Everyone has different triggers and reactions when they experience anger.
Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your own emotional process. It’s also important to look within before jumping to conclusions about an external source. Put forth an effort to understand the root of your emotions. Then, step back from the situation if needed.
Always remember that there are usually better ways to deal with anger. There are better options than letting it control you or dictate your actions. Let’s look at the remaining 5 of these 6 ways to deal with anger.
Ways to deal with anger even towards friends
I remember one time I got so angry at my friend for something they said that I completely lost it. After some time and reflection, I realized that there were underlying issues causing me to react so strongly.
By taking a step back and understanding the root of the issue, I was able to better manage my emotions. Eventually, I was also able to have a more constructive conversation with my friend.
Avoid making decisions when you’re angry – take some time to calm down first
Dealing with anger is no easy task. Therefore, it’s important to take as much time as you need to calm down before rushing into any decisions. When we are angry, our emotions can get the best of us and may cloud our judgement.
Taking a few extra moments will allow your mind to become clearer. It also enables you to deal effectively with the situation. Even when we make mistakes in the heat of the moment, this small precaution could save us. We can avoid an array of potential consequences that might arise from impulse decisions.
Let’s look at the consequences of making decisions when we’re angry. Concerning my own people, the Black community, a lot of people are in jail right now. Mainly because they made decisions while being angry and out of control.
Even though this example may be extreme, it highlights the importance of thinking things through. Make sure you allow yourself time to cool off before making any decisions.
Also, it’s hard to retract a statement that has been said or actions that have been taken in anger. It can undo a lot of the progress you will be trying to make and damage relationships in the process. Your anger can cause a habit of damaging relationships. This will make it hard to maintain a healthy support system.
Don’t lash out at others or say things you’ll regret later
We all deal with anger differently. But having a quick temper and taking it out on other people is never the right way to go. Lashing out at others not only makes you seem unreasonable and immature, but it can also lead to hurt feelings. Hurt feelings can lead to unnecessary confrontation.
However, in the heat of the moment it’s sometimes hard to stop yourself from doing something you’ll regret later. For example, saying something mean or inappropriate. The key is to remember that there are healthy ways of expressing yourself and managing your anger before tempers flare.
Taking a step back and counting down from ten is a simple yet effective practice. This exercise can help calm emotions before they take over completely.
The dangers of not learning healthy ways to express and manage anger can be serious. If we don’t learn to control our emotions, it could lead to conflict, damaged relationships and even physical violence.
Learning how to effectively manage your anger is essential for leading a healthy life and maintaining strong relationships. Especially with those around you. So take some time to practice healthy coping mechanisms today.
Try to see the situation from the other person’s perspective
Learning to deal with anger can be a difficult thing. But it’s important to remember that approaching the situation from someone else’s perspective might actually help. Seeing things from the other person’s eyes can give you insight into their feelings and motivations.
This allows you to respond in a more understanding way. This doesn’t mean being submissive or compromising your own feelings. But instead, it means using empathy to deal with anger in a more calm and productive manner.
I had a close relative who had a friend that he became very angry with. He was about to lash out at his friend and tell him how wrong he was. But instead, he decided to take a step back and try to see the situation from his friend’s perspective.
He thought about what might have made his friend act that way. He quickly realized there were underlying issues causing him distress. After the discussion, the two were able to come to a better understanding of each other. This allowed them to move on from their disagreement.
Find an outlet for your anger that doesn’t involve harming yourself or someone else
When you’re feeling angry, it can be hard to deal with that emotion in a healthy way. But there are options available if you want to avoid harming yourself or someone else. Going for a run or going to the gym are great options. Hitting a punching bag can also help get rid of some of the tension.
Don’t let too much frustration build up before you decide to deal with your anger. It might feel weird at first, but you’ll likely be surprised at how much better it makes you feel afterwards. Even if you don’t have access to a punching bag, activities like running outside or throwing a Frisbee are good. The key is to find ways to channel your negative energy into something positive.
In my late teenaged years, I used to get angry while working in retail. It was hard not to get frustrated when customers were rude or disrespectful. So instead of letting it ruin my day, I would go for a walk after work and clear my head. Listening to music also really helped take the edge off. These outlets allowed me to think clearly about how I wanted to approach difficult customers in the future.
Use breathing techniques
Breathing techniques are a great way to help calm down in the moment. Taking deep, controlled breaths can help lower your heart rate and make it easier to think rationally. It will also give you some time to consider the situation before taking action.
I learned this technique a long time ago during yoga class. Yoga was very helpful when I was feeling angry or overwhelmed. First, I take a few deep breaths in and out. Then, I focus on the air coming into my nose and out of my mouth.
Finally, I count to four as I inhale and count to eight as I exhale. This helps me slow down my breathing rate. Doing this makes it easier for me to think clearly about what’s going on.
Conclusion of 6 ways to deal with anger
If you’re feeling angry, it’s important to try and understand the root cause of your anger. Once you know what’s causing your anger, you can start to take steps to control it. Try not to make any decisions when you’re feeling angry – take some time to calm down first. If possible, try to see the situation from the other person’s perspective.
It’s also important to find an outlet for your anger that doesn’t involve harming yourself or someone else. Taking a few deep breaths or going for a run can help diffuse anger. It also allow you to think more clearly. Recognizing your triggers and learning how to control your anger can help prevent problems in your personal and professional life.
I hope these 6 ways to deal with anger helps you! For more information on this topic, read Anger Management Techniques.
