How Should We Deal With Anger?
Tip #1 Confess it.
Denying your feelings will only cause you to stay angry longer. Whether or not you acknowledge the emotion, its poison will continue to affect you. By harboring anger, you will never know the fullness of peace and joy.
Tip #2 Identify the nature and source.
If you don’t identify the root of the problem, you could lash out at someone who did nothing wrong. For instance, people who were abused by one of their parents sometimes resent all authority figures.
Tip #3 Purpose to deal with it quickly.
In some instances of extreme pain and suffering, you won’t be able to get rid of hostility before the sunsets. But you should acknowledge your feelings and decide to deal with them. You shouldn’t just accept rage as a natural response and allow it to become part of your life.
Tip #4 Take a time out.
Make a purposeful decision not to react quickly, because your first impulse will likely be an unwise one. Give the other person time to talk. Then you will be able to respond in a respectful manner.
Tip #5 Clarify and analyze the situation.
Has somebody hurt those who are mad at you? Are they frustrated, insecure, jealous, or fatigued? You can use similar questions to analyze your own feelings as well. Getting to the root of the conflict will help you know how to address it.
Tip #6 Deal with the problem.
When anger is unchecked, it will turn into bitterness. So if you can’t get rid of this emotion immediately, make a commitment to seek healing.
Tip #7 Replace it.
Harness the energy that anger gives you. Use it to wax your car, hit golf balls at the driving range, or clean out a closet.
Tip #8 Determine the benefits.
The positive side of anger is that it can motivate us to take constructive action, such as fixing problems. (See “D” above.)
Tip #9 Prevent a wrong response from recurring.
We can’t always avoid antagonistic feelings, but we can control how we react to them. Decide ahead of time how you will act in challenging situations. Determine to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become upset. (See “E” above.)
Tip #10 Stay away from hostile people.
“Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Refrain from starting relationships with those who are constantly irritated.
Our world is full of injustice, hurt, and rejection. People cut us off on the highway, betray our confidence, and harm those we love. It’s impossible for us to avoid all the causes of anger. However, you and I can choose to respond to this powerful emotion in a way that will honoring to who we are as individuals.
If you are struggling to apply these tips any our life and want more assistance & guidance than call us today at 407-622-1770! Call to book an individual counseling session with our expert therapist or to register for our anger management workshop. It is possible to be free from the anger within!