Anger Management Series - Part 3
Here are a few more tips for handling anger. As mentioned, process and handle your anger, don’t discount it and push it away.Relaxation:
- Try deep breathing exercises.
- Repeat a phrase to relax your self like ‘take it easy’ or ‘you’re ok’ to calm yourself down.
- Use imagery and go to your ‘happy or quiet place’
- Exercise!
Cognitive Restructuring
- Change the way you think.
- Be more rational – “It’s the end of the world” can change to “It’s frustrating but understandable. It’s not the end of the world and overreacting never really fixes anything.”
- Avoid phrases that start or end with never, always, or demand.
- Logic can defeat your anger.
Problem Solving
- Not all anger is displaced.
- Don’t focus on the solution, focus on the process.
Improved Communication
- Don’t act on your conclusions – they might be wrong. Clarify what’s going on by asking and using a conversation.
- Listen to what’s going on.
- Try not to fight back
Use Humor
- Humor can diffuse rage quickly.
Change the Environment
- Give yourself a break!
- Don’t avoid confrontation but don’t put yourself in frustrating situations either.
Use Appropriate Timing for Conversations
- Typically places like in front of the TV or when people are busy aren’t ideal conversation places.
- If you have a confrontation situation then try planning a better place to talk where you can both focus on yourself.
Learn Assertiveness Training
- Take a class on being more assertive rather than confrontational.
- See a counselor for assertiveness training.