By: MJ Gonzales | Executive Chronicles
Normally, you weigh things first before you confront any colleague or employee. Sometimes diplomacy is not option for you particularly if someone commits mistakes or the culprit of looming problems. Do you think to confront someone is a way to address concerns or it’s just unfair to sit down? Either way, if anger triggers you to act aggressively or impulsively you should learn how to handle it.
According to American Psychological Association, anger is a natural feeling that comes out due to internal and external factors. You may automatically feel it because of someone, something or situation that frustrate or threaten you. In a way, it helps you to cope in your environment if it sparks positive behaviors.
APA added that “expressing,” “suppressing,” and “calming” are the core ways to deal with anger. It’s surprising though that among the three, APA named expressing as the healthiest approach as long you’re assertive than aggressive. On the other hand, suppressing can help, but can be a problem too as may cause depression and hypertension.
To handle your anger, here are some of the simple steps to do:
- Joke around. Apparently laughter is the best medicine even for anger. It eases tension and divert your attention to funny things. Just avoid sarcasm as it may fuel reaction that makes you feel anger again.
- Have a break. Walking away from the action-packed scene is also good. It refreshes your mind, calm down your feelings, and see different environment. Whether the reason of your anger is still there when you come back, at least you come back prepared and calmed.
- Do breathing exercise. Inhale and exhale slowly, deeply, and smoothly. Count 1 to 50 if you like, visualize positive pictures, and convince yourself “it’s going to be fine so relax.”
“You automatically breathe in more than out when you’re feeling angry, and the trick is to breathe out more than in,” Clinical psychologist and specialist in anger management Isabel Clarke shared on National Health Service (England)’s website. “This will calm you down effectively and help you think more clearly.”
