4 Ways to Beat Anger
By Kate Gardner
It's the end of a long day and I'm barely holding it together. The kids don't like what I'm making for dinner, the dog needs to go out, and the dryer has stopped working for the third time this month. I don't have a lot of patience left to deal with this onslaught of chaos, but I know things will be much worse if I can't keep my temper under control.
Does this scenario sound familiar? We all get bogged down in the craziness of life and it can be easy to lose our tempers and lash out at those around us. But, like me, you may have found that unleashing your anger doesn't make anything better (and usually makes things worse).
Anger and Health
Getting wrapped up in anger can have big impacts on your health. According to Cardiosmart.com, research shows that in the two hours after an anger outburst, your risk of having a heart attack increases five-fold and your risk of having a stroke triples. The Journal of Medicine and Life reports that anger can also raise your blood pressure, increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and is often associated with negative life choices that put you at greater risk for developing health problems.
Rein it In
If losing your temper is so bad for you, what are you supposed to do? The University of Rochester Medical Clinic lists some ways to keep your temper in check.
Crack a joke - Humor can help defuse a tense situation. Tell a joke or find the humor in what's going wrong.
Step away - If you can, walking away from what is making you angry can give you a much needed moment to calm down.
Apply knowledge - When you're dealing with kids, it can help to understand where they are developmentally and what you can reasonably expect from them. A screaming toddler in a restaurant may make you want to flip your lid, but understand your child isn't crying to make you mad, they're trying to figure out how to tell you they're tired (or overstimulated, or hungry, or upset).
Learn from it - We can learn a lot if we pay attention to when we get angry and what pushes our tempers over the edge. Your anger might be telling you that something needs to change in a relationship. Or you may find your patience is thinnest in the afternoon. If possible, shift responsibilities away from this time to reduce your stress and calm things down.
Anger is a normal part of life, but when we let it take over we run the risk of damaging our health and our relationships. If you find your anger is still getting the better of you, visit a healthcare provider for help.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pearland, Tex.