6 Methods to Coping with Anger

Regulate Your Daily Routine:

The basics of your daily routine, such as your sleep schedule, diet, exercise, and workload can significantly influence your stress and anger levels. By managing these aspects, you can build a foundation for better mental health

Use Humor to Defuse Tension:

According to an article by the American Psychological Association, using “silly humor” can help defuse anger and provide a balanced perspective. Laughter can be an instant stress reducer.

“Using silly humor is a wonderful tool to help us take ourselves less seriously.  It does require a level of vulnerability that can be hard for many people and takes practice and safe spaces,” says JRNY counselor Justin Misch.

Create Time and Space to Relax:

JRNY counselor Susan Kelley says, “Anger is often a sign that your boundaries have been violated or a need isn’t being met. However, anger may also arise to protect you from a more uncomfortable feeling, like sadness, fear or shame. It’s so important – and difficult! – to slow down and pinpoint what’s going on in the moment when we feel angry.”

Stress reduction often involves problem-focused solutions, such as changing your work environment, delegating tasks, or altering your interpersonal dynamics. Additionally, techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and meditation can help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. JRNY offers physiological courses to teach these valuable coping skills.

Assess Stress Levels and Communicate Needs:

Being introspective allows you to identify early signs of overwhelming stress and anger. When you realize you’re overwhelmed, communicate your feelings and needs to others for optimal support.

Reflect After Angry Moments:

Looking back on what triggered your anger can provide insight into how to manage similar situations in the future. Understanding what led to your anger becoming unmanageable can help in finding coping mechanisms.

Consider Individual/Talk Therapy:

If stress and anger persist, consider seeking professional help. Continuous anger and stress could indicate underlying issues that cannot be resolved by simple management techniques. Therapy sessions can help address root causes, such as trauma responses, disordered thinking, and other mental health concerns.

At JRNY Counseling, we’re committed to our patient’s well-being. Take the first step by reaching out to us at (463) 258-6222

Sources:

Prescription for Anger

Promoting Emotional Resilience

Behavioral Health Services at IU Health

The Exhaustion Breakthrough

Feeling Stressed Blog.