Let’s face it, life’s never going to be “frustration-free”. We’ll always have those WTF moments where the alarm failed to go off, you’re 15 minutes late, drinking cold coffee in the car while stuck in traffic. If only we could hit the reset button to resolve all those frustrations, right? But since life isn’t as simple as hitting Ctrl+Alt+Delete, let’s explore some genuinely healthy ways to deal with anger before it consumes you.
1. Talk it Out
Holding onto anger is like shaking a bottle of gas cooldrink – eventually, it’s going to explode. Talk about what happened, how it made you feel, even if it’s just to yourself. Sometimes, just unpacking the situation can ease the pressure. If you need a sounding board, vent to someone you trust – a friend, family member, therapist.
And find your safe space. Maybe it’s a park bench, a quiet corner at home, or even the shower. Wherever you can relax and let your anger out without worrying about being judged.
2. Write It Out
Grab a pen and paper and let it all out! Write down anything and everything that’s making you angry. Don’t worry about making sense, just get it out of your system.
Once you’ve written it down, you can rip it up, crumple it up, or even burn it symbolically. This is believed to help you physically release the anger.
3. Get Moving
Exercise is a great way to burn off stress and anger. Go for a run, hit the gym, or dance around your room. Anything that gets your body moving can help. Being in nature can also help you calm down and feel more at peace. Go for a walk in the park, sit by a river, or spend time in your garden. Do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, playing games, or listening to music. Taking some time for yourself can help you take your mind off your anger and relax.
4. Deep Breathing
When things get heated, pause and take a deep breath in. Imagine calm coming in and frustration going out as you exhale. Repeat until you feel more relaxed. It’s a simple way to ease the tension. Just breathe, and let the stress fade away.
Another alternative is progressive relaxation, which is also really helpful for when tension creeps in. Tense up one muscle group, then release it with a slow exhale. Move through different areas, letting go of the stress as you breathe out.
For a mental escape, apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations for anger management.
Remember to check the app stores for the latest information, user reviews, and updates to find the best fit for your mental well-being goals.
5. Think Before You Act
Reframe the situation: Ask yourself, is this really worth getting worked up about? Challenge your negative thoughts and find a more balanced perspective. Can you crack a joke about the situation, even if it’s a cheesy one? Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to feel angry at times. But suppressing our emotions is unhealthy. We need to accept that anger is a natural human experience. However, we also need to adopt healthy ways to deal with our anger. Fortunately, practise makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if your anger gets the better of you sometimes.
You’ve got this!
If your anger is really bothering you or affecting your relationships, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. A therapist can give you more tools and support to deal with it.
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