Anger is not always an easy emotion to control. Everyone has lost our cool and said and done things we probably shouldn’t have. Learning to consciously control our anger is an ongoing practice, but with patience and effort, it can be done.
It’s a good idea to have several outlets for expressing your anger, as well as any other negative emotion. Lashing out rarely solves anything and can ultimately leave you feeling guilty or ashamed.
Here are some healthier ways to get your anger out while still keeping your integrity in tact:
– Write out your feelings. Pull out a sheet of paper or open up a blank document and just allow yourself to vent. This is for your eyes only.
– Scream into or punch a pillow. Doing this will release pent up tension.
– Go off by yourself somewhere and take a minute to breathe and collect your thoughts. Sometimes getting away from everything and taking a moment to yourself can work wonders.
– Destroy something that you won’t get in trouble for destroying.
– Do something physical, whether it’s squeezing a stress ball, going for a run or riding a bike. Do something that will get your muscles moving or your blood pumping. This will help get rid of all that uncomfortable negative energy that’s flowing through you.
– If you live near a beach, go there and write whatever you’re angry about in the sand by the shore. Watch the waves lap up and wash the words away, and imagine that whatever you’re upset about is floating out to sea and away from you.
– Do something that makes you feel happy and peaceful. Take a walk, play with your pets, watch a funny movie or read an interesting book, for instance.
– If appropriate, find something related to your circumstances that you can laugh about. For example, if someone is spreading a ridiculous rumor about you, laugh at the fact that they have no idea what they’re talking about. Learning to laugh negative things off will lead to a more positive attitude and outlook. Try not to take anything too personally or seriously.
– Once you’ve calmed down, consider confronting the person who you believe caused your anger. In some cases, they may not even be aware that you’re angry with them. Communication can go a long way in situations such as these.
– Get honest with yourself about the underlying reason behind your anger. Figuring this out will help you get to the root of the problem and could potentially release a burden you didn’t even realize you were carrying.
