Anger Management Tips

• If it is someone else who has an anger issue, and you wish to broach the matter with them, choose your moment carefully. Approach them when they are on their own - not with a group of friends - and when they seem relaxed and in a good mood. When you bring the matter up, do so gently, without any hint of criticism. Be tactful.
  
  
• If it is yourself that has a problem with anger, it is your acknowledgment of the situation that is the first step to finding a solution. Once you can accept that anger is causing problems for yourself and others you will be more receptive to finding solutions that can work for you
  
  

• In a relationship, angry confrontations or fights tend to develop a pattern. They may involve similar situations, or happen at certain times or on specific days. Endeavour to minimise the intensity of these arguments by discussing things earlier in the day.
  
  

• If your work leaves you physically tired or stressed, consider taking some exercise, even if it is no more than a lunchtime walk. Something that has a calming effect. Exercise increases your dopamine levels, which helps reduce stress, gives you a 'lift' and makes you happier, while at the same time rids the body of any side effects of working hard.
  
  

• Identify those things that frustrate and anger you. If you realise that you habitually apologise to others for sounding off for no reason, then recognise that you have anger management problems. These could well be caused by underlying frustrations in the workplace, or at home, or something else that distresses you, and which spills over into the rest of your life. See if you can do something about it.
  
  

• Car or road rage and other irrational outbursts of anger very often stem from stress and frustration. Sometimes hypnosis can help, as can listening to relaxation tapes, but they only work if the person with the anger problem is open-minded enough to try.