How Can I Deal With My Anger? - Big Y® World Class Market®

Teen Talk With Tara - How Can I Deal With My Anger?

Did you ever have one of those days when you wake up feeling angry? Maybe you had a fight with your parents or an issue over a test grade, or maybe you and a friend had a disagreement and it left you feeling irritated. You are entitled to be annoyed. Yet, how you cope with and express anger is important. Anger is a normal and healthy emotion, but it can control how you think, feel and behave. There are tools and tips that help teens control this emotion, and manage anger, because if you don’t control your anger, it can control you. We have watched with sadness the news stories about teens that had trouble managing their anger and the serious aftermath of that loss of control. The following tips might help you deal with your anger in a healthy
and positive way:

Exercise is a great way to divert anger. Go to the gym or go out for a run. Take a yoga class or go for a long walk. I find that it makes me feel much more relaxed if I can divert my attention in a productive and healthy way.
Breathe. When we are really upset, the body releases adrenaline. By breathing deeply, adrenaline production is reduced, and calm feelings result. Breathing slowly and deeply is a simple technique to help us gain control of our anger. Start counting backwards by 2’s or 5’s. Counting is a great technique for redirecting your thinking and calming yourself down.
Talk to someone. Sometimes sharing your feelings with someone you trust helps anger disappear. Try talking with a close friend. Talking about frustrations can help you feel more calm.
Write a letter. Sometimes anger results from frustration. Write the person you are angry with a letter and tell them how you feel and why — but don’t mail it — throw it away. I find that expressing my anger and stating precisely why I am angry usually makes me feel better.
Finally, distract yourself. Watching TV, taking a nap, reading a book or playing a game are great ways to divert your attention away from the issues that are upsetting to you.

I use these techniques to help me deal with anger or frustration in a healthy way. When you find yourself overwhelmed with anger or frustration over a disagreement with a friend, sibling or parent, or you need a way to tame your temper, try these suggestions. After all, anger is natural and normal. Everyone is angry some time in
his or her life. However, how you manage and express your anger determines if you control it, or it controls you.