Free Anger Management Skills

From LoveToKnow Stress

Free anger management skills can come in handy in times of crisis and stress.

Meditation can help ease anger

Learn Free Anger Management Skills

Learning free anger management skills can be very helpful when you are caught in a situation where you feel as if you might lose your temper. Losing your temper at home, while not particularly desirable, may not be as bad as losing your temper at work or in public; the consequences of each can be disastrous. Stave off these potential consequences by placing some free anger management skills in your tool kit.

Applicable Skills Worth Learning

There are two different ways you can approach learning about anger management skills. There are skills you can use while you are in the heat of the moment, and skills that can be utilized for free floating anger.

Skills to Use in the Moment

The following are skills you can use if you are in the middle of a disagreement:

Take Deep Breaths

You've probably heard it before, but have you ever actually tried taking in deep breaths when stressed? If you haven't, you should try it; it really works! The next time you find yourself embroiled in a heated argument, take one to three deep breathes (up to ten would be even better). Almost instantaneously, you'll feel much calmer and clear headed than you were just a few seconds before you took the breaths.

Be a Parrot

Parroting is the term that psychologists use to describe the process of taking the time, when you are in the middle of a disagreement, to say, or to parrot back, exactly what the other person has said. This process not only forces you to focus on what the other person is saying, but it also gives you a chance to get your temper under control.

Take a Break

Although it's preferable that you leave the situation, particularly if things are getting very heated, that's not always possible. However, this doesn't mean that you can't get away. If you are at work, you can excuse yourself by saying that you need to take a look at your notes, or that you need to use the restroom. The main point here is that you should find a way to take a break. This will effectively give you a chance to sort out your thoughts while simultaneously reining in your temper.

Deal with Ongoing Anger

Sometimes, whether it's because of constant stress or because of leftover, nagging issues, you can experience free floating anger. For this kind of anger, some of the following tips may be helpful:

  • Exercise: Exercise is often cited as one of the most effective ways to combat both anger and stress, and that's because it works. If you experience this type of anger, it may be helpful to try this particular tip.
  • Play sports: Playing sports is a bit different from exercise because typically, exercise is a solo activity, while sports tend to be a bit more socially oriented. If you enjoy spending time with your friends and socializing, this might be a more beneficial avenue for you.
  • Visit friends: Speaking of socializing, if this is an activity you love do, then why not do it more often? You might just find yourself feeling much more relaxed.
  • Write about it: If being physical is not your cup of tea, then consider writing about your feelings. Sometimes just seeing how you feel written down on paper can help you feel better. You may find that you are angry over silly things or you may find a creative way to solve your problems.
  • Meditate: Meditation, whether in a traditional sense, or just sitting somewhere comfortably and observing your thoughts until you feel calm, can also significantly help to combat anger.

Putting It All Together

Anger can strike in different ways; it can linger or be something you feel in the moment. No matter the type, there are practical steps you can take to help ensure a productive outcome while keeping you feeling less angry.



 


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