As the holiday season approaches, I've noticed that there is a renewed energy in the air. Maybe it's just me, but I find myself smiling more once November hits.
But I started to wonder why the other months of the year are devoid of such happiness. And then I recognized something that for a long time has been true: I have been struggling with anger. It's not just me; it's everybody that I know these days. But why? Why are we all so angry?
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that relaxation is a thing of the past. Free time is a dream that only happens during the four hours per night that dreaming is socially acceptable. Gym time is used to harness the frustration and angst of work, social circles, and responsibilities in a constructive manner. And behind closed doors, one-on-one time with friends is spent venting and complaining about how unfair it all is.
I need to grow up. We all need to grow up.
We can't change any of this, not the parts that have already happened. However, what I've come to realize is that we get to choose how we react to these things. My reactions are not perfect, but I am aware of the fact that I need to work on them.
Here are my tips on anger and anger management - and believe me when I say that I am using these to remind myself of how to act as well:
1. Self care is incredibly important in high-stress, high-anger situations. Take some time to remove yourself from the situation. It's amazing what happens when you take some time away and gain some new perspective. You can go scream, laugh, cry, or do whatever you need to blow of some steam. Just take the time.
2. Talk about how you are feeling with the person or people who are causing you distress. Don't use profanity to do so. If you communicate rationally and effectively, it's amazing what kinds of progress can be made in mitigating any type of situation.
3. Don't expect others to notice that you are upset. If you are upset, you have the responsibility to to directly address that situation.
4. You don't have to handle your anger alone. It is okay to ask for help. By all means, please ask for help.
5. When you walk away from mitigating or mediating a situation, take ownership of the fact that you made progress. It is so easy to cross something off of the list and move on to the next problem, but be proud of the fact that you are taking steps to make tomorrow a better day.
If you're like me and have been going through stressful times, feel free to let me know what's going on. In the event that you have any anger management tips that you would like to share, please feel free to do so!
~TWBTM
But I started to wonder why the other months of the year are devoid of such happiness. And then I recognized something that for a long time has been true: I have been struggling with anger. It's not just me; it's everybody that I know these days. But why? Why are we all so angry?
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that relaxation is a thing of the past. Free time is a dream that only happens during the four hours per night that dreaming is socially acceptable. Gym time is used to harness the frustration and angst of work, social circles, and responsibilities in a constructive manner. And behind closed doors, one-on-one time with friends is spent venting and complaining about how unfair it all is.
I need to grow up. We all need to grow up.
We can't change any of this, not the parts that have already happened. However, what I've come to realize is that we get to choose how we react to these things. My reactions are not perfect, but I am aware of the fact that I need to work on them.
Here are my tips on anger and anger management - and believe me when I say that I am using these to remind myself of how to act as well:
1. Self care is incredibly important in high-stress, high-anger situations. Take some time to remove yourself from the situation. It's amazing what happens when you take some time away and gain some new perspective. You can go scream, laugh, cry, or do whatever you need to blow of some steam. Just take the time.
2. Talk about how you are feeling with the person or people who are causing you distress. Don't use profanity to do so. If you communicate rationally and effectively, it's amazing what kinds of progress can be made in mitigating any type of situation.
3. Don't expect others to notice that you are upset. If you are upset, you have the responsibility to to directly address that situation.
4. You don't have to handle your anger alone. It is okay to ask for help. By all means, please ask for help.
5. When you walk away from mitigating or mediating a situation, take ownership of the fact that you made progress. It is so easy to cross something off of the list and move on to the next problem, but be proud of the fact that you are taking steps to make tomorrow a better day.
If you're like me and have been going through stressful times, feel free to let me know what's going on. In the event that you have any anger management tips that you would like to share, please feel free to do so!
~TWBTM