When anger boils within it can become explosive and painful to ourselves and those the anger is directed at. There are so many expectations and deadlines in today’s world that the stress can amount quickly. Sometimes it takes only a slight comment or action to bring the anger to an explosion that translates into confrontation and the use of hurtful words. Learning to manage our anger helps build peace within and strong relationships in our world. Read on to discover 4 anger management tips to help you cope.
Tip 1 – Be Aware of Your Stress Level
Ignoring stress signals can be the first step in turning up the heat on the anger boiler plate. At the root of anger is stress that has not been properly handled.
Be aware of stress signals like, headaches, lack of sleep, and nervousness. When you recognize stress in yourself, take action by engaging in stress reducing activities like exercises, breathing exercises and meditation.
Tip 2 – Develop Your Sense of Empathy
Empathy allows people to have a sense of understanding for the position of someone else, experience and interpretation of an event. When engaging in conversation and or conflict, try and empathize with the other person by making an attempt to understand their position.
Having a sense of their experience will help diffuse your anger and increase your ability to react calmly.
Tip 3 – If An Anger Explosion Is Imminent, Retreat!
If anger has become all but unavoidable and has exploded or is on the verge of explosion, retreat to a space where you can be by your self and diffuse the sense of anger. Try breathing exercises to calm down.
A common exercises involves breathing in slowly for 5 seconds, holding the breath for 5 seconds and then exhaling for a period of 5 seconds. Repeat this exercises for two minutes before you attempt to re approach the anger situation.
Tip 4 – Develop Assertive Communication Techniques
Learn to communicate your desires and intentions assertively. Stating your position and desires early, before any friction has developed, will prevent a situation from reaching a point that could trigger anger.
When communicating with others, paraphrase their response to ensure that you understand what they want, feel or are requesting. Encourage the other person to repeat back to you what you have communicated in their words. This way you will know that they understand you. If they do not, you will be able to clear up any misunderstandings that could lead to an angry situation.
