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What Are the Best Tips for Anger Control?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,205
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Anger control is an important discipline and can help to prevent negative occurrences such as certain health issues, relationship problems, and violent behavior. Some of the most popular tips for anger control include distraction, deep breathing, and meditation. Listening to calming music, talking with a trusted friend, and positive thinking are also frequently recommended tips for managing anger. Each person may need to experiment with several of these ideas in order to find the best combination for the individual situation. Any questions or concerns about developing the tools needed for proper anger control should be discussed with a psychologist or other mental health professional.

Distraction is often a good tool for anger control. Taking a walk or otherwise changing surroundings may help to diffuse a difficult situation. Some people channel anger into positive energy by engaging in a vigorous exercise workout. A doctor should be consulted prior to choosing exercise as a way to release stress and anger if there is a history of medical conditions that may make it unsafe to engage in strenuous physical activity.

Taking a few deep breaths may help with anger control. It may be even more helpful to envision the negative energy leaving the body with every exhalation. Meditation often incorporates relaxation techniques along with deep breathing exercises and has long been recommended for those seeking assistance with anger management issues.

Many people are deeply affected by music. These people may benefit from listening to calming music during an episode of anger. Sounds of nature or gentle instrumentals are frequently chosen for this purpose.

A simple conversation with a trusted friend can be an extremely valuable tool for anger control. Sometimes, just having the ability to release the thoughts and emotions associated with the event that triggered the anger can provide relaxation. The friend may also offer a different perspective on the situation that helps the anger to pass.

Positive thinking is an often overlooked anger control tool that has been shown to greatly reduce the likelihood of emotional outbursts. The forgiveness of self as well as others also helps to release feelings of anger and resentment. It may also be helpful to think of the long-term effects of the anger, especially the relationships that may suffer due to the responses that may occur as a result of an angry outburst. If anger problems persist, it may be wise to consult a doctor or counselor to make sure there are no underlying medical or psychological reasons for the anger.

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Discussion Comments
By seag47 — On Aug 12, 2012

I have to be able to talk to someone when I'm angry. I don't usually want to confront the person who angered me, though. I want to call up a good friend who will be on my side.

If I can't talk to a friend for some reason, I sit and stew over the situation. I get angrier, and I start having little chest pains.

It's amazing how therapeutic talking can be. Even though it doesn't resolve anything usually, it makes me feel better.

By healthy4life — On Aug 11, 2012

@orangey03 – It's funny how opposite things can work to relieve anger in different people. The relaxation route would never work for me, but it's great for you.

I have to do some intense exercise to get my anger under control. Going for a run, using the weight machine, or playing tennis helps me out a great deal.

If I can exhaust my body, then my mind will soon follow. When I'm fatigued, I don't have the energy for anger. This may not be the best method for managing anger, but it works.

By orangey03 — On Aug 10, 2012

Breathing and stretching while listening to gentle music helps calm me down when I'm angry. If I have been wronged at work and feel pretty helpless and angry about it, then I will go do my relaxation techniques before I do anything else.

Usually, I eat right after I get home, but if I'm angry, I will eat too much. So, I go do some breathing and stretching first, and then I can eat a reasonable amount of food.

I listen to songs that are made to be soothing. I take deep breaths with my eyes closed before I begin stretching. I hold the stretches for a long time, focusing on my breathing as I do.

By StarJo — On Aug 10, 2012

I usually control my anger by considering the feelings of others before I say what I really think. If I am angry with my best friend, then I quickly envision how I think she will react to my words before I utter them.

Many times, this results in me not saying anything at all. That really isn't good, because it creates an underlying grudge on my side.

I often lie awake at night, thinking of the best way to say what I need to say without hurting anyone's feelings. I express myself better on paper, so I have been known to write notes when I'm angry, and if they still sound reasonable when I read back over them the morning after, I will send them out.

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