Using Anger Wisely
"Anger is something we all experience now and then. It is an evolutionary necessity and provides us with powerful information that not only helps us survive but even helps us thrive. Even while we accept this as truth intellectually, anger generally feels quite uncomfortable and unwelcome. It can leave us restless, sleepless, irritable, and, left unchecked, aggressive.
How to Move Through Anger
1. Recognize and label your emotions accurately.
2. Investigate and embrace anger.
Try to tune in to the way anger is manifesting in your body: Is your heart racing? Are your legs feeling restless? Are there sensations in your stomach or chest? Also, notice where your mind is going. Forward to retaliation? Back to past events? Investigate your anger in as much detail as you can.
3. Allow anger to depart when it’s ready.
Although we often wish for anger to pass quickly, many of the mental habits we engage in while angry (venting, blaming, justifying) actually prolong the experience. That is, we stoke the flames of anger by indulging our stories about being right and being wronged. It’s important to note that it would be unwise to skip over “the story” altogether. Skillfully addressing a situation by asserting our needs or setting boundaries with others is an important and healthy aspect of the anger experience."
Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
How do you cope when you're angry?
#Anger #Coping #MentalHealth
@comfortableNight4463
When I am angry, I shut down and keep to myself.
I definitely need to get better at addressing the conflict more appropriately!
Thanks for the article! 💛💫
Hey guys I'm a 48-year-old with anger issues and I have tried everything under the sun to get it under control. Nothing I've tried has worked at all. Any advice? I almost forgot to mention that I am 17 months clean and sober.