Sometimes it's our immediate surroundings
that give us cause for irritation and fury. Problems and responsibilities
can weigh on you and make you feel angry at the trap you seem
to have fallen into, and all the people and things that form
that trap.
Give yourself a break. Make sure
you have some 'personal time' scheduled for times of the day
that you know are particularly stressful. For example, a working
mother might make a standing rule that when she comes home from
work, the first 15 minutes will be quiet time. With this brief
respite, she will feel better prepared to handle demands from
her kids without blowing up at them.
Some other tips for easing up:
•
Timing. If you
and your spouse tend to fight when you discuss things
at night--perhaps you're tired, or distracted, or maybe
it's just habit--try changing the times when you talk
about important matters so these talks don't turn into
arguments.
•
Avoidance.
If you get furious every time you walk by your child's
chaotic room, shut the door. Don't make yourself look
at what infuriates you. Don't say to yourself, 'Well,
my child should clean up the room so I won't have to be
angry!' That's not the point. The point is to keep yourself
calm.
•
Finding alternatives. If
your daily commute through traffic leaves you in a state
of rage and frustration, give yourself a project. Perhaps
you could find a different route, one that's less congested
or more scenic. Or find an alternative way to travel,
such as taking a bus or commuter train.
For professional assistance
with anger management please call Wellnet on 084 944 9444 and
a consultant will refer you to a counselor in your area.
