Do you lose your temper easily? Have you been told you have a “short fuse” or that people have to “walk on eggshells” around you? If you find it challenging to keep your cool or manage your feelings of anger or rage, here are some things to keep in mind:
Anger is a valid emotion
Your anger is trying to tell you something. Don’t dismiss it or push aside its message. Oftentimes, the primary emotions underneath our anger are fear, sadness, grief, or trauma. If you have been pretending like everything is fine, but find anger constantly spilling out, take some time to consider if you are also feeling afraid, sad, overwhelmed or triggered in some way.
Manage anger by prioritizing your physical needs
Going too long without eating, stretching, exercising, sleeping, and other poor health habits can lead us to be grumpy and put us in a poor mood, down the path to losing our temper. Give yourself a break, drink a glass of water, or try some mindful stretching to get back into your body. Notice how these simple activities can support your mood.
Express your feelings
As soon as you feel yourself getting angry, express your feelings in words rather than actions. Do you need to call a friend? Journal your thoughts? Express yourself through a creative outlet? These techniques can help you get to the root cause of what is bothering you and give you space to process it.
Get help for your anger
If you feel you need additional help with your anger, we are here for you. Our team of experienced therapists will work with you to develop personalized strategies to attune to and befriend your anger. Request an appointment with us today.
