Manage Anger

Emotional – Activity: Manage Anger

Anger is a normal emotion that can cause problems when it is not handled correctly. We feel anger when we perceive unfair treatment, or are threatened or prevented from reaching our goals. When we handle anger correctly, we correct unfair treatment without harming others.

Anger and the Brain

Watch: Emotions and the brain and How the Brain Works with Anger

  • The amygdala (primitive brain) has an instantaneous response to fear or anger
  • A flood of chemicals creates physical reactions: increased heart rate, fast breathing
  • When anger takes over, the thinking part of the brain is no longer accessible. Rational thought is not possible until chemical flooding subsides
  • The body takes about 20 minutes to return to normal after a full fight or flight response. Psychology Today

SOS

Ways to manage anger

  • Learn to recognize the physiological responses that come with anger. These can include: headaches, a clenched jaw, flushed face, tense shoulders, a fast pulse and racing heart, fast and shallow breathing.
  • Take a mental pause to insert thought: Stop – Observe – Shift
  • Practice coping skills like deep breathing, taking a break, or going for a walk before proceeding.
  • Be aware of the feelings that are underlying the anger. Dr. Phil says, “Anger is nothing more than an outward manifestation of hurt, fear, or frustration.”
  • Re-frame: look at problems as challenges, check the validity of assumptions, dispute irrational thoughts.
  • Use I statements if you choose to express your feelings.
  • Don’t take things personally (see the 4 agreements)
  • Strengthen your self-esteem.

20Minutes.png

REMEMBER – the body takes about 20 minutes to return to normal after a full fight or flight response. Psychology Today

When someone else is angry

Resources:

Books:

Learn more at the Power of a Pause for Positive Shift

This week if I feel anger, I will notice physiological changes and take a mental pause to understand what caused the anger and how to respond. I will practice deep breathing and other calming techniques. I will use a worksheet to analyze a situation when I was angry.

This is one of the weekly activities for a Year of Personal Development.

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.

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