5 Tips for Handling Anger
Posted: February 11, 2019
Anger can have serious consequences on your health and relationships. It can create distance between you and your loved ones, and if left unchecked, can have health consequences as well. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite tips for helping with anger. Try these out and see which ones work for you.
- Take a Breath- In the heat of the moment, it can very difficult to handle your anger. You could say or do something that you’d regret later. When you’re angry, before you say or do anything, make yourself take a deep breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose and out slowly through your mouth. Make sure your breathing is slow and lower in your belly.
- Take Space- Often leaving the situation that is contributing to your anger can help you let it go. Taking space from the other person can help you avoid the consequences of an impulsive act.
- Change your thinking- Intentionally change your thinking every time you start to focus on what is making you angry. Identify 3 thinks that make you happy and focus on each of those things. Each time your mind goes back to the source of your anger, take a breath and return your focus.
- Exercise- Intense exercise can help intense emotions pass. Running or lifting weights can be cathartic. Be careful with this one, though, as it can fuel your anger if you don’t change your thinking.
- Seek professional help- If your anger doesn’t pass, or you find yourself getting angry over small things, begin to think about talking to a professional. Therapists like me have many different tools to help you curb your anger.