Are you struggling with Anger?
Anger is a normal emotion which we all experience from time to time.
However, we may feel we have problems with anger if it is:
- Inappropriate i.e. to co workers or strangers
- Out of character
- Frequent
- Excessive (abusive or violent)
- Causes problems with family and friends
What can create an anger problem?
Anger is something we have all evolved with as it is part of the “fight and flight system” designed to protect us.
In pre historic times, when we had more need to protect ourselves against dangerous animals etc, our bodies would go into “fight and flight” mode in response of a “threat”. 
Our bodies would unvoluntarily respond by triggering a range of biological functions such as heart beating faster, muscles tensing, pupils dilating, bowels emptying.
These responses are all designed to help us run or defend ourselves so depending on the person or situation we might feel fear or see red!
However, in modern times and for modern man (and women) our fight and flight system is triggered by different threats. Feeling under pressure from stress or feeling cri
tisised or rejected are all common “threats” that trigger the anger system.
The good news is that anger can be managed by understanding what is causing our anger but also learning management techniques. The following are shown to help:
- Relaxation exercises: As said above, anger can be caused by stress which has big impact on the body. Using specific breathing practices or relaxation exercises can manage stress and prevent an anger build up
- .
- Exercise: Stress builds up adrenalin and cortisol which can cause us to become angry. Exercise if a very effective way of getting rid of these chemicals in a healthy way i.e. boxing, running, weights etc
- Challenging thoughts: Sometimes people get angry because they are jumping to conclusions about a situation or taking things personally. Make a note of the situations that “trigger” your anger and see whether there are different ways of looking at things.
- Counselling: It can help to explore the root cause of your anger by talking to a professional.
- Communication styles: Feeling annoyed about something may be the appropriate response to a situation, but how to express that can cause problems. Sometimes people who are aggressive do not know how to communicate their needs in a positive way. Develop “assertive” communications styles to improve relationships.
- Walk away. Giving yourself some space from a situation can help you to “take stock” and calm down. It may help to do some breathing exercises to reduce your adrenaline then consider different ways that you can look at the situation or communicate how you feel.