Anger Management

Okay, so you’re mad. I’m not going to tell you not to be mad. Anger is a normal human emotion. It’s how you handle anger that makes it healthy or harmful. Some people externalize their anger and explode. Other people internalize their anger and self-destruct. Let’s look at some ways to reduce and resolve anger.

• Accept your anger. Denying that you’re mad in the first place seems to make things worse. Bottling it up helps nothing. Accept that you’re angry and that it’s okay to be angry.
• Acknowledge what you are angry about. You don’t have to share with other people, but you need to have self-awareness about the issue.
• Is this really worth getting mad about? Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes it’s something else that’s really bothering you. Other times, you’re overwhelmed in general so you’re getting irritated easily.
• Forgive others.
• Forgive yourself.
• Let go. Holding on to anger can be erosive.
• Seek peace.
• Get away from the situation for a little while.
• Go somewhere relaxing. A park can be a good place to calm down. 
• Take a deep breath.
• Go for a walk.
• Exercise.
• Take a nice, hot shower.
• Manage your stress.
• Get some sleep. I think we all get irritated when we are tired.
• Are you hungry? I love the acronym HALT – never get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
• You know the things that calm you down. It may be alone time, movie time, quiet time, reading, hanging out with certain friends, meditation music, art, crafting, scrolling through Pinterest, going to church…. Whatever works for you. Go do that. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself.
• Find balance in life. We all have things that make us mad. Intentionally bring into your life things that calm you down and things that make you happy. Go do something you enjoy doing.
• Journal about it and keep it real. Journaling is a safe avenue to express yourself honestly without concern for disapproval from others. Sometimes you just have to get it out. If you’re worried about your journal being read, try using a dry erase board. Write it down. Accept it for what it is. Erase it. Let it go.  
• Talk to someone about it. I don’t mean gossip. I mean find a friend who you can share with who will keep your confidence and respect the situation as you perceive it.