6 Simple steps towards managing anger in between counselling sessions
Following my article on grief, below are 6 simple ideas to try to cope with anger issues:
Anger is a disruptive response and is normally triggered when we feel threatened or judged. Used constructively, mild anger can be expressed for problem solving and clarity, but generally, anger is counter-productive and can trigger fear, guilt, relationship breakdown and exhaustion!
- LOOK AT THE OUTCOME IN YOUR DAILY INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS: Try to watch your thoughts and words. This takes practise but it is a very useful tool towards understanding yourself and how you respond to others. Does anger work for you? Most people would say no – or at best, not really! Therefore, try to stick to the facts and don’t jump to conclusions when you are challenged by others.
- SAY NOTHING!! Instead of taking the bait, try to let people’s words of confrontations wash over you! Anger is often caused by misunderstanding or a need to protect ourselves from the fear of losing control of a situation.
3. RETRAIN THE MIND! In a nutshell, life is a series of problem solving, so becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings and editing our responses can help us improve communication in our daily lives. Think before you speak!
- SMILE!! It is possible to change the emotion of anger if we are aware of our body language. Smiling produces endorphins, the natural feel good hormone! It also breaks down all kinds of confrontations and reduces stress levels, making positive outcomes far more likely! Try to see the funny side of life!
- WHAT DOES YOUR ANGER LOOK LIKE? We can try to visualise how our anger feels. For example, Is it red – a sharp outburst? Is it white – behind the veil of illusion and not clear? It is black – unable to recognise what causes or controls it? Looking at our anger head on is a useful exercise in reducing its power.
- RECOGNISE THE SIGNS: Through the counselling process many clients are able to identify some of their anger triggers. Give yourself permission to grow in understanding of what is causing your anger – then learn to take back the control.
This article is in no way meant to over simply the effects of anger issues, which can be severe and unmanageable in some cases. Proper structured counselling is invaluable in exploring anger patterns.
A medical check up can also be useful in order to rule out any underlying health issues such as hormonal changes, thyroid or even food allergies.
LINE-LINK COUNSELLING SERVICES is here to guide you through this process. It is a safe place to explore your patterns and grow in understanding in the relationship we have with ourselves and others.
