Everyone has experienced anger, whether it was a brief annoyance or a full-blown wrath. We all understand what anger is. The human feeling of anger is entirely natural and typically healthy. However, when it spirals out of control and becomes toxic, it can negatively impact our quality of life overall as well as our ability to function at work and in our intimate relations.

The intensity of anger can range from slight annoyance to violent outrage.   Both external and internal factors may be the cause. For instance, our anger could be motivated by our fear or introspection about our own problems, or it might be a reaction to a particular person or event.

Anger can be contained.  The goal is to control or conceal our anger and channel it into more disciplined behavior. This type of reaction poses a risk because, if allowed to manifest externally, it may turn inward on us. Internalized anger may result in high blood pressure or depression.

Anger that is not voiced can lead to other issues. It can result in behavioral anger outbursts, such as passive-aggressive behavior or a persistently hostile disposition. We can tell we have not mastered the art of constructive anger expression when we continually criticize everything, constantly knock others down, and make negative comments.

Managing Anger

Photo source: Nicola Barts

The objective of anger management is to lessen the physiological stimulation that anger creates as well as our emotional reactions. We may learn to regulate our reactions, even when we cannot change the things or people that irritate us.

We become angry for a variety of reasons, including genetic and physiological factors. According to research, a person’s family background contributes. It is typically considered that those who are easily agitated come from disruptive homes with poor emotional literacy.

Tips For Managing Anger

  • Enhanced Communication

In times of anger, we have a tendency to act based on assumptions, some of which may be completely wrong. Whenever we find ourselves in a heated argument, the first thing we should do is take a moment to compose ourselves.

When we are criticized, it is normal for us to become defensive. Despite this, we must wait before responding. It might involve a great deal of calm probing on our part, as well as some breathing room.

  • Problem-solving skills

Sometimes, very real, unavoidable challenges in our life are the root of our anger and irritation. Many times, anger is a legitimate, natural reaction to these challenges, therefore not all anger is inappropriate. Additionally, there is a societal presumption that every issue has a solution, so when we learn that this is not always the case, it makes us even more frustrated. Therefore, the best mentality to adopt in such a circumstance is to concentrate less on finding the answer and more on how to approach and deal with the issue.

  • Cognitive reorganization

Our thoughts can become too dramatic and overblown when we are furious. Let us, however, try to replace these ideas with something more practical. Even though anger, even when it is justifiable, can easily degenerate into irrationality, logic fails to subdue it. When we are furious, we often demand things like fairness, agreement, and willingness. Everyone wants these things, and when they are not given to us, we are all upset and disappointed. However, when we are angry, we demand these things, and when our requests are not granted, our displeasure turns into anger.

It is important to keep in mind that we cannot and should not try to erase anger. Despite everything we do, there will still be things that make us angry—and sometimes that anger is justified. Life will be full of the erratic behaviors of others. Although we cannot control it, we can modify how we choose to react to unforeseen circumstances. We may avoid being even more unhappy in the long run by learning to control our angry reactions.

Is this article helpful to you? Kindly share it with family and friends who may need it as well.
Dominion TV, Africa’s Christian Lifestyle Network for Inspired and Empowered Living.