When it comes to controlling your emotions, it may be easier said than done. However, it can be vital to work on your anger, especially if it becomes a problem. Read this article for 7 ways you can consider when it comes to controlling your anger.
- Keep Breathing. When you are facing anger or find yourself getting angry, the first thing that you should do is keep breathing. Even though the feelings may be intense, they will likely subside in a moment or so. Concentrate on your breathing and you may want to count to 10 inside your head as well. This could give you an opportunity to cool down before you say or do something out of anger. If you want to learn more about dealing with anger, check out this webpage, which offers helpful tips.
- Write Your Thoughts Down. Something else to think about when you are experiencing anger is to write down what you are thinking. On occasion, when you are upset and angry, it may help you to get your thoughts on paper, so you will be able to process them. The act of writing them may also give you time to cool off and help you stay in the moment.
- Walk Away. If there is a person that angers you or a situation that you find yourself in that causes you to become angry, you need to be able to walk away from these things. Don’t engage in a verbal or physical altercation with someone because you are angry. Instead, do your best to walk away and let things go.
- Consider a Hobby. You may want to channel some of your anger into a hobby. When things are causing you to become angry, you can take some time for your hobby. Perhaps you want to build model cars or play casual video games. Be sure to engage in an activity that you enjoy.
- Distract Yourself. Besides just spending time on a hobby, it may be helpful to distract yourself as well. When you are feeling anger rise up, watch a funny movie, or go out with a friend. There are many things that may be able to distract you and help you forget that you were experiencing anger. Do whatever you can to change your mood, so you can laugh or smile.
- Talk to a Loved One. A loved one could lend a hand when you are angry as well. If something happened to you that angered you or you have a conflict with an individual, you can always call someone you trust and talk about the situation. Your friend may be able to offer advice on what you should do or tell you that you did the right thing. Moreover, they might have been through something similar and can express to you how they handled it.
- Seek Professional Help. When your anger is affecting different aspects of your life or is interfering with your routine, it may be time to seek professional help to treat it. A therapist might be able to help you understand why you are feeling angry in specific situations and provide details on how to avoid some of these circumstances. Moreover, if your anger is severe, they should be able to develop a treatment plan to deal with the symptoms you are experiencing, so it doesn’t begin to affect your mental or physical health.
Conclusion
Anger is an emotion that anyone can experience, and it is okay to be angry at times. However, if you find that you are often angry and you feel that you may act out of anger, you might need to learn more about how to control it. Think about the tips in this list first when you are doing your best to limit your anger, including engaging in a hobby, distracting yourself, and talking to a loved one. Besides that, work with a therapist if you feel like you should.
N.B. This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.