5 Simple Steps to Controlling Your Anger

By: Jamie Sullivan
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:39:39
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

How many times have you lost control of yourself when you're angry? Did you do or said something which you regretted over time?

I guess we all did. It's normal, and afterall, we are just human beings.

Everyone of us faces problems with anger. The main difference between you and me is that, do you know how to gain control of your anger, instead of letting it control you.

It's not easy to gain control of your anger, especially when you are provoked into such situations. Nevertheless, if you are facing with this situation next time, you can try out my 5 simple steps.

Step 1 : Identify what makes you upset

Start with identifying what upsets your feelings or emotions. Pull yourself aside from everything you are doing or the anger situation you are in, then take a deep breathe and clear your mind. Think, what brought you into this situation.

You need to know what is wrong in order to correct it. Right?

Step 2 : Use them as a stop signal

When you are done with Step 1, you'd probably already knew what made you angry. You might not have the complete clear idea of it, but it's OK. At least you have "some" ideas.

Use these as stop signs for your anger. You're upset because the little voices inside your head are telling yourself upsetting things. This in return causes a stir in your feelings, therefore resulting in anger.

Stop all these little voices from talking within yourself, and you'll be able to think independantly and not being influenced by them and the situation.

Step 3 : Tell yourself positive things

It's important to think positive. You can counteract your upsetting thoughts with framing your mind to have a positive self-message. Tell yourself something nice that will make you feel better.

For instance, "this anger feeling is only temporary and I don't want to say or do something stupid which I will regret for my actions later."

Put the brakes on your feelings. Tell yourself to slow down and take it easy.

Step 4 : Make yourself clear

Clarify the situation for yourself. Ask yourself, “What is really going on in this situation?"

You can then feel disappointed with the situation but not enraged at the people who are creating it.

Step 5 : Think of constructive goals

Try to set more realistic goals for yourself in regard to the problem situation that you are in.

Ask yourself, “What are the alternative solutions that I use to resolve this situation?"

Be specific as possible, and concrete.

"What can you do to change this situation?"

List out the constructive options that you have in mind in which to reach your goals.

Ask yourself, “What constructive actions can I take to reach my goals?"

Finally, choose a constructive option to reach your goal and act fast on it.

The 5 simple steps that I had just pointed out to you are exactly what I do whenever I face with anger situations. You can try them out when you face with such situations.

Everyone gets angry at times, but the important thing is, "What can you do to overcome this situation?".

Gain control of your anger, rather than letting it control you.

Jamie Sullivan is a mother of 3 children aged between 4-16 years old and an author of "Child Anger Revealed - Your Ultimate Guide To Deal With Them Effectively" at http://www.ManageYourChild.com.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Anger Management category

  • The Secret to Mastering The Secret - By: Hale Dwoskin
    Because of the momentum of your habitual ways of thinking, feeling and behaving, you may frequently feel like you are trying to move forward with a rubber band around your waist.
  • Battering Rams and Sun Tzu - By: Kenneth Ragpala
    There are a lot of words in the English vocabulary that are spelled the same yet mean something else. Just some blah on the side.
  • Dealing with Anger Management - By: Crizza Reyes
    We all experienced those moments in which we feel completely out of control with frustrations. Perhaps you’ve thrown something across the room, screamed at someone uncontrollably or put your fist through a wall.
  • An Assertive Communication Technique that Works - By: Dr. Lyle Becourtney
    One of the most effective ways of using assertive communication is by using a technique known as the Compliment Sandwich. In order to minimize the other person's defensiveness, you would begin with a compliment (the first piece of bread), then present your complaint or criticism (the meat), and then finish with another compliment (the second piece of bread). When used appropriately, the Compliment Sandwich can be very helpful in managing your anger.
  • An Assertive Communication Technique that Works - By: Dr. Lyle Becourtney
    One of the most effective ways of using assertive communication is by using a technique known as the Compliment Sandwich. In order to minimize the other person's defensiveness, you would begin with a compliment (the first piece of bread), then present your complaint or criticism (the meat), and then finish with another compliment (the second piece of bread). When used appropriately, the Compliment Sandwich can be very helpful in managing your anger.
  • Anger Can Be Good - By: Dr. Lyle Becourtney
    Although uncontrolled anger can be quite costly, when channeled properly anger can also be very positive. Among other things, anger can motivate us to work harder to accomplish our goals. This could mean playing harder on the defensive end in a basketball game, studying longer for an exam, or putting in more time when learning to play an instrument.
  • Anger Management Skills - By: Michael Malega
    Anger is a lifelike emotion, it is not possible for anybody not to be angry as we face different circumstances. Some people may respond very harshly to their feelings and therefore their saying creates problems. Check this article for anger management skills, tips, ideas and suggestions.
  • 7 Anger Management Techniques - By: Anthony Kane
    Every day things happen to us that bring out our anger. So it's critical that we learn to keep our temper under control. We need to do this for ourselves, and we need to do this so that our children can learn from our example. Here are seven easy to use anger management techniques that will help you to keep your anger under control.
  • Anger + ADHD = an H-Bomb: 6 Steps Plus a Bonus to Manage Anger with ADHD - By: Sarah Jane Keyser
    Anger is a paradox. We all, except for saints, feel anger or think angry thoughts some of the time; it feels manly and justified. It is so much more satisfying to retaliate than to turn the proverbial other cheek.The paradox is that anger while it feels good is radio-active like the A-bomb.
  • Road Rage - A New Disorder or a Symptom of Today's Chaotic Lifestyle? - By: Lisa Rickwood
    You’re a law-abiding, tax paying member of society. People respect you, you’re generally happy with life (aside from minor annoyances), and you practice fairly good self control at work and home. But when you get behind the wheel of your car, you change.