Life gets “lifey” and one of the most prevalent emotions that occur when you get overwhelmed is anger. Fear and anxiety take over and you begin getting mad over what you are unable to be in control of these situations. When things are not going how you perceive they should be, you may find yourself with a feeling of anger that you do not know how to deal with.
Take a break
Retreating from the person, place, or thing, even momentarily, can make all the difference in the world. Change your perspective so that you do not have to let your rage get the best of you. Nothing needs to have so much power over you that you start to you see red. Count to ten before you react. Do some intentional breathing to calm yourself down before you do something that you will regret. Try some mindfulness to keep you in the present moment. Stop and make a gratitude list of 10 things you are grateful for because being angry and grateful at the same time is impossible. Do something to distract yourself from your anger so that you can move on.
Get sober
If you seem to lose your ability to control yourself when you are drinking or using, then take out the middleman. You owe yourself the opportunity to get sober instead of constantly being triggered with emotion whenever you are under the influence. Get to a 12-Step meeting to see what your options are. Attend a rehabilitation center that can help you get to the root cause of your anger because drugs and alcohol are merely a symptom of something much bigger.
Find a healthy outlet
Bottom line is that your pent-up anger needs to be released. Find some activities that can help you to alleviate the angry emotions you are enduring. For example, start using exercises such as walking, yoga, or weightlifting as a way to let out the anxiety you are experiencing. The natural high you get from the endorphins will be a calming effect to help release any anger or prevent it from occurring at all.
Taking some positive measures to change your attitude and your outlook on life can give you the ability to take contrary action from what you are used to. Anger is a tricky thing that can make you feel good in the very short term and then make you feel terrible with your reaction in the long term. Take responsibility for your anger and you will most likely make better decisions that can change your life overall.
Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
