ComputerHunter.org

 

Eight Simple Anger Management Tips


"The other night I ate at a real family restaurant. Every table had an argument going."

One of the biggest obstacles to personal and career success is anger. When we fail to control our anger, we suffer several blows:

  • Anger impedes our ability to be happy, because anger and happiness are incompatible.

  • Anger sends marriages and other family relationships off-course.

  • Anger means lost business, because it destroys relationships.

  • Anger also means losing business that you could have won in a more gracious mood.

  • Anger leads to increased stress (ironic, since stress often increases anger).

  • We make mistakes when we are angry, because anger makes it harder to process information.

People are beginning to wake up to the dangers of anger and the need for anger management programs and strategies. Many people find anger easy to control. Yes, they do get angry. Everybody does. But some people find anger easier to manage than others. More people need to develop anger management skills.

For those who have a tough time controlling their anger, an anger management plan might help. Think of this as your emotional control class, and try these self-help anger management tips:

Ask yourself this question: "Will the object of my anger matter ten years from now?" Chances are, you will see things from a calmer perspective.

Ask yourself: "What is the worst consequence of the object of my anger?" If someone cut in front of you at the book store check-out, you will probably find that three minutes is not such a big deal.

Imagine yourself doing the same thing. Come on, admit that you sometimes cut in front of another driver, too ... sometimes by accident. Do you get angry at yourself?

Ask yourself this question: "Did that person do this to me on purpose?" In many cases, you will see that they were just careless or in a rush, and really did not mean you any harm.

Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.

Try some "new and improved" variations of counting to ten. For instance, try counting to ten with a deep slow breathe in between each number. Deep breathing -- from your diaphragm -- helps people relax.

Or try pacing your numbers as you count. The old "one-steamboat-two-steamboat, etc." trick seems kind of lame to me. Steamboats are not the best devices to reduce your steam. How about "One-chocolate-ice-cream-two-chocolate-ice-cream", or use something else that you find either pleasant or humorous.

Visualize a relaxing experience. Close your eyes, and travel there in your mind. Make it your stress-free oasis.

One thing I do not recommend is "venting" your anger. Sure, a couple swift blows to your pillow might make you feel better (better, at least, than the same blows to the door!), but research shows that "venting" anger only increases it. In fact, speaking or acting with any emotion simply rehearses, practices and builds that emotion.

If these tips do not help at all and you still feel you cannot manage your anger and the related stress, you may need some professional help, either in the form of a therapist specializing in anger management or a coach with a strong background in psychology.

About The Author

David Leonhardt is the Happy Guy (http://TheHappyGuy.com), author of "Climb your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness at http://www.TheHappyGuy.com/happiness-self-help-book.html For more tips on controlling anger, boosting self-esteem, expressing gratitude and reducing stress, pick up a copy of The Get Happy Workbook (http://TheHappyGuy.com/happiness-workbook.html)

Info@TheHappyGuy.com







Google News - Top Stories

CTV.ca

Hurricane Ike ravages Caribbean islands as Hanna hits US
AFP - 1 hour ago
MIAMI (AFP) - After ravaging the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hurricane Ike headed toward the Bahamas, Cuba and the US Gulf Coast, as Tropical Storm Hanna continued to batter the US East Coast.
Video: Raw Video: Hurricane Ike Slams Into Caribbean AssociatedPress
Ike batters Turks and Caicos International Herald Tribune
ABC News - United Press International - Bloomberg - CNN
all 3,055 news articles


China Daily

US Treasury sets news conference; GSE plan expected
Forbes - 32 minutes ago
By Glenn Somerville WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US government was expected to take control of mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae (nyse: FNM - news - people ) and Freddie Mac (nyse: FRE - news - people ) on Sunday in its latest effort to shore up the ...
Video: Obama Calls for Changes in Mortgage Giants AssociatedPress
Paulson readies the 'bazooka' CNNMoney.com
MarketWatch - New York Times - Bloomberg - USA Today
all 2,486 news articles


Canada.com

Canada's prime minister calls early election
The Associated Press - 27 minutes ago
TORONTO (AP) - Canada's prime minister dissolved Parliament on Sunday and called an early election next month in hopes of strengthening his Conservative minority government's hold on power.
Harper Says He's Best for Economy in Canada Election (Update2) Bloomberg
Canadian PM calls snap election BBC News
ABC Online - AFP - China Daily - The Canadian Press
all 1,746 news articles


Times Online

John McCain's tightrope act
San Francisco Chronicle - 11 hours ago
To hear Sen. John McCain's acceptance speech was to wonder if he was paying attention to the tone of his own convention or the message of his vice presidential pick.
McCain, Obama jostle for mantle of change AFP
Why McCain Chose Palin Daily Green
Dallas Morning News - Los Angeles Times - Boston Globe - New York Times
all 2,041 news articles


BBC News

Suicide blast kills 35 in Pakistan; Zardari set to take power
International Herald Tribune - 1 hour ago
AP, The New York Times PESHAWAR, Pakistan: The death toll in a devastating suicide blast has reached 35, officials said Sunday, as Pakistan prepared for Benazir Bhutto's widower to take over as president.
Pakistan's Zardari urged to change image and focus Reuters
Pakistan's Zardari prepares for presidency AFP
Sydney Morning Herald - PRESS TV - Los Angeles Times - Monsters and Critics.com
all 3,430 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base