Anger is normal as it is a healthy, human emotion. However, problems ensue when it gets uncontrollable and turns destructive. Uncontrollable anger as among the top and common behavior problems usually affect work, personal relationships, and overall life quality. Thus, there is a need for anger management training.
Psychologists have established that it is just natural for some people to become more hot-headed than others.
There are two kinds of people when it comes to anger.
Which one are you?
A person who easily get angry, with greater anger intensity
OR
A person who are good at controlling and concealing anger
This strong emotion is often categorized as among the common causes of disruptive behavior problems whether in adults or in children. You should notice that when anger becomes one of your behavior problems.
If you tend to be angered more easily, you should start seeking anger management techniques especially when you start withdrawing socially. You may have lower tolerance for frustration and you may easily take violent and unlikely reactions when confronted by the feeling.
“Behavior problem should be conquered and controlled immediately before it takes matters more seriously.”
Here are some strategies to help you keep anger-related behavior problems at bay.
1. Just Relax
Anger-induced behavior problems could easily be resolved by simply relaxing.
“Take a deep breath then imagine happy images.”
This strategy has been proven to be effective in calming angry people and making ‘hot heads’ cool.
2. Change The Way You Normally Think.
Restructure your cognition.
For example,
“Instead of cursing and yelling, just sit down and think of more positive thoughts when feeling angry.”
It could literally make you a ‘monster’ in the eyes and perception of people around you.
3. Think Solution Instead of Being Angry.
Try to improve your problem solving skills. Frustration and anger are often caused by inescapable and troubling problems.
Bear in mind that…
“Anger will not in any way help you fix problems.”
If you could devise ways to effectively and systematically solve those problems, you could find yourself also controlling anger problems.
4. Stop Saying Your First Thought In Your Head. Think First.
When you get angry, try to avoid blurting out initial thoughts that come from your head. Learn to self-edit.
“Slow down what you want to say. “
Slow down and carefully assess things you want to say before screaming them out.
5. Develop Your Communication Skill.
Here is the opportunity for you to improve better communication skills.
“Try to listen well to what other people want to say.”
Then talk calmly back. Sometimes the over-heated argument is just a misunderstanding.
6. Avoid Any Occasion of Anger.
If you think attending a social gathering, going to a specific venue, or doing certain activities would only make you uncontrollably angry try your best to avoid them. This would help you prevent getting angry especially in front of many people.
“Do not do if you don’t want to do. Do not go if you don’t want to go.”
Instead, you could opt to go to other laid-back places, enjoy your time alone at home, or do other pleasant activities that would help keep your mood okay.
7. Stop Drinking Alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol if it usually makes you violent. As the old saying goes, “In wine there is truth.” You may not be aware but you could still carry your anger even after getting drunk. Worse!
Be aware that…
“Your strong negative feelings are amplified when you drink.”
Most people with behavior problems are advised by professionals to avoid getting drunk first and foremost.
Try these tips when you are feeling angry at someone.
If you are looking for more advice, here is a great audio program for anger management by Dr. William who has been helping people for 35 years as a professional.
Zen For Life 