Every one of us has experienced anger at some point or the other. It is a natural and common human emotion. However, it is a behavior that should be overcome as soon as possible. Anger can destroy your peace of mind since you constantly undergo uneasiness, mental turmoil and frustration. Anger is also harmful to your health. It can cause stomach ulcers, stress and high blood pressure. Additionally, anger can hurt the person whom it is intended at physically or emotionally. Fortunately, there are several techniques which can help you stop feeling angry.
Step 1
Focus on something totally different when you feel angry. If for example someone has done or said something to make you angry, then think about something which will make you happy. Thoughts such as a funny event or scenes from your favorite comedy show will calm you down. One of the best antidotes to negativity is to focus on the positive.
Step 2
Do deep breathing exercises to relieve stress and anger. Find a quiet place and breathe slowly and deeply for 10 minutes or until you feel calm. Deep breathing will help clear your mind and reset your emotions into a more calm pattern.
Step 3
Splash your face repeatedly with cold running water for 5 minutes to help you cool off and relax. Sit down and close your eyes and the let the air dry off your face.
Step 4
Walk to regain calmness and get rid of your anger. Walking will help slow your heart rate down and relax your breathing. You can walk in a circle inside your house for about 10-15 minutes until you feel you are cooled off. Avoid running if you are angry since your heart rate is already up, you can trigger a cardiac episode.
Step 5
Perform yoga stretch techniques to assist with stress reduction and relaxation. Sit down and try to reach your toes with your hands for 10 minutes. Stand up on your tip toes and reach up as high as you can for another 5 minutes. Stretching will help you relax and reestablish a normal breathing pattern so you can let go of your anger and feel relaxed.
References
- American Psychological Organization: Controlling Anger Before it Controls You
- 4therapy.com: Effectively Coping with Anger by Grant Kono, LCSW
- "Emotional Yoga: How the Body Can Heal the Mind;" Bija Bennett; 2002; p. 34
