How To Deal With Anger Effectively

Few things can be more irritating than when someone tells you to ”calm down” when you feel as if you are ready to punch your hand through a windshield. As annoying as that may be, sometimes, they have a point. You are the only one responsible for how you react to situations, no one else. Regardless of how disrespectful your manager is or how rude that cashier was to you at the supermarket.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed below, your anger management skills may need some fine tuning.

• Physical aggressiveness (hitting or pushing others)
• Short fuse for triggering aggression
• Experience thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Verbally abuse others
• Slam or throw objects when angry
• People repeatedly tell you that you need to calm down

Benefits That Can Last A Lifetime

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or actions on a regular basis, you may want to consider looking into anger management classes. Anger management is a therapy that teaches cognitive-behavioural techniques that the individual can use to better control their anger, inevitably helping them learn new behaviours. 

Looking for outside help is not a weak move, but actually the first step toward getting back control of your emotions. Just like most problems in life, recognizing the source is the first step to finding the solution. We’ve taken the time to review three of the many different tips anger management classes review to control your anger so you can get an idea of what these classes go over.

1 – Stick with “I” statements

To avoid criticizing others or placing blame, always use “I” statements when you are describing a problem. For example, say, “I’m upset when you leave the bathroom light on” versus “You are so lazy, why do you always leave the bathroom light on?!” What you say and how you say it is relevant, don’t take your words lightly because they do hold weight.

2 – Don’t bottle up your anger

A study printed in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 1999 showed that catharsis (“letting it all out”) does more harm than good. Bottling up all your anger can not only cause stress, anxiety, and depression, but when it does come out, it becomes an atomic bomb of anger and negativity. If something is bothering you, get yourself into a calm state and express your anger so it does not pile on over time.

3 – Practice relaxation skills

Sometimes, adults too need to go to “timeout” to calm down and relax their nerves. Learning how to step away and take a deep breath will relax your heart rate, which in return will help your body calm down. Practising meditation or yoga is a great way to learn how to properly use breathing techniques. 

If you don’t have enough time or are not interested in meditative practices, consider going for a walk when you are angry or try counting to ten as you take deep breaths. Relaxing the body is the easiest and arguably most effective way to calm down the mind.

Look Online To Find Classes Near You

Don’t wait another moment longer, begin taking back control of your anger starting today. Talk to friends or look online to see what your area has to offer, chances are you will find a anger management class near you.