Members,
Anger can be held in and then redirected. This happens when you suppress your anger. It happens when you try to focus on something positive instead of thinking about it. The aim is to inhibit or suppress your anger and consequently change it into more constructive outcome. The danger in this type of response is that if it isn't allowed outward expression, your anger can turn inward on yourself. Some of the negative consequences of internal anger are high blood pressure, or depression to name a few.
If you have a problem with anger, there is a really good change that you know about it. If you actions and behaviours seem of out control, you might want to consider finding alternative ways of dealing with it.
Why Are Some People Angrier Than Others?
People that anger easily, have a low tolerance for frustration. This means that they feel like they should not have to tolerate any frustrations or inconveniences. This can be even worse if they feel that the situation is unjust.
You might ask yourself why do certain people feel this way? This could be genetic or physiological. There has been some evidence showing that some children are born irritable, cranky. Another reason to explain this could be sociocultural. Anger is often looked at as negative, since we are often forced to suppress this emotion we do not learn how to manage it effectively.
Disruptive family life can also play a significant role in anger patterns; such as people that are surrounded by families that are angry, disruptive and closed off with their emotions.
In your challenge to track your anger this week, you may be wondering how to challenge it.
It is often said that we are the sole person that we can control. This is especially true of anger. Before delving into the skills of assertive communication, anger management must begin with you managing your emotional state. How you choose to do so is entirely up to you but here are a few suggestions to help keep anger at bay:
Relaxation
Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery, can help calm down angry feelings. There are books and courses that can teach you relaxation techniques, and once you learn the techniques, you can call upon them in any situation. If you are involved in a relationship where both partners are hot-tempered, it might be a good idea for both of you to learn these techniques.
Some simple steps you can try:
Breathe deeply, from your diaphragm; breathing from your chest won't relax you. Picture your breath coming up from your "gut."
Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as "relax," "take it easy." Repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply.
Use imagery; visualize a relaxing experience, from either your memory or your imagination.
Non strenuous, slow yoga-like exercises can relax your muscles and make you feel much calmer.
Practice these techniques daily. Learn to use them automatically when you're in a tense situation.
We now invite members to ask questions or share their most effective coping strategy for anger!
Samantha, Health Educator
