Controlling anger will be easy for some and exceptionally difficult for others. Too many things are fraying people’s nerves these days. There’s traffic, pollution, inconsiderate people, even more inconsiderate bosses/co-workers and the list goes on. Sometimes a loud release of all that bottled up frustration is necessary, and it’s healthy. It’s healthy as long as it doesn’t become a regular habit.
Here are some things to consider when you feel anger rising up inside of you. You may not believe it, but the key to dealing with anger is to remember that people are people. What causes your anger? You would probably say that people make you angry. Why? Is it because they don’t do what you expect? Is it because when you ask for help, sometimes they refuse to do anything? Is it because you want to be treated fairly by everyone you come into contact with? You know that everyone you meet will not do this. Some people will not respect you or tolerate your presence, and despite what you might feel they will continue to rub you the wrong way. That’s human behavior, like it or not.
You can’t control other people, but you can control your reactions. You just have to say to yourself nobody will change how they behave just for your sake. To expect otherwise is quite unreasonable. Even those who love and respect you will not always be quick to respond to your requests. That’s just life. People are people and you just have to accept that somtimes they will be rude or ignore you.
Consider the negative consequences of being angry. Your blood pressure goes up, your heart quickens and a fight or flight response is triggered. Doctors say this is reserved for the most life threatening situations. If you experience this on a daily basis it can only lead to conditions like hypertension and heart disease. The next time somebody cuts you off on the way home from work, just let it pass. As long as nobody gets hurt, and neither vehicle is damaged, why get angry? It’s not worth wasting your energy to shout and scream at a total stranger. This may be dangerous because it might provoke a hostile reaction.
Taking some yoga or tai chi chuan classes will do a world of good. Think of how great it would feel when anger evaporates, and all that’s left is you only this time you’re lighter and healthier. You can go back in your memory to a time when things were great in your life, when you were happy and full of joy. How did that feel? Do you want to feel that way again? You can do it. All it will take is about ten or fifteen minutes and a quiet place to meditate. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
