Have you ever watched a young child have a really spirited temper tantrum – where they jump up and down, stomp their feet, make fists and holler? And then ten minutes later, they’re just fine. They let go of the frustration, move on and get back to being happy. Wouldn’t it be nice if we adults could deal with our anger that quickly?
Your body reacts when you are angry, from tense muscles to increased hart rate to accelerated breathing, soaring blood pressure, drops in blood sugar and more. It takes a long time for your body to return to its natural resting state. Prolonged stress and anger can lead to : heart attacks and stroke, memory impairment, stomachaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and even vision problems.
Tips for Handling Anger
1. Count to 10. Try it. Just take time to simmer down and think about the consequences of losing your temper or reacting badly.
2. If you want to hit something, hit a punching bag at a gym or pound pillows.
3. Breathe deeply at least 5 times. Put your hands on your abdomen, fill it up all the way and let it out…slowly. Do this several times to regain control and calm your system.
4. Take a time out. Those of you with young children in your life know how effective this can be. When you are really upset or angry, remove yourself from the situation.
5. Get moving. The Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports reported that runners were 70 percent less likely to experience high stress and life dissatisfaction. So go work out somehow and let off your steam.
6. Forgive yourself and others.This is one of the most dramatic and liberating ways to release anger. Liberate yourself from the energy it takes to hold negative resentments or hurt feelings against someone. You don’t forgive for the benefit of the other person, you forgive for yourself.
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