Anger Management

Are you an angry person? Would I like you when you're angry? Or do you change into a certain big green angry creature as soon your heart beat races up? Of course, anger is very natural but it can be destructive when expressed inappropriately. You need to explore and gauge your anger level to gain control.

So what makes you angry? How exactly do you express yourself when you're angry? Do you express it in a healthy and assertive way? Or in a hostile and aggressive way? Do you slam down the phone when faced with computerized voice prompts that seemed forever? Ever put your fist through the wall after an argument with someone?

Well, actually anger isn't such a bad thing. It can help protect you against some dangerous situations, motivate you to solve problems, or lead a reformation on social culture. Sure, daily frustrations, impatience and resentments can light up your temper but for many people, these are just fleeting moments. They are able to control themselves and quickly return to their calm self without sending their tempers to a volcanic eruption.

BUT, if your blood boils at the slightest minor irritation like losing the parking space that was supposed to be yours, or at the check out counter when the new cashier's a bit slow, you may need to improve how you're managing anger. Anger that's out of control can be pretty destructive to your life - problems to relationship, work place, and your own health.

So, how exactly do you express your anger? You might want to consider some of these questions to assist in assessing yourself;

1. Do you get angry more often than anyone else you know?
2. Do you get angrier than is necessary?
3. Do you use threatening language and gesture?
4. Do you express anger that overwhelms you and others?
5. Do you get angry enough to hit or kick things, people or animals?
6. Do you use alcohol or drugs to calm yourself?
7. Do you fume for hours or days?
8. Do you experience physical reactions such as muscle tension or racing heart beat when angry?
9. Do you often hide your anger and try to suppress your feelings?
10.Does expressing your anger make you feel better about yourself and the person who made you angry?

You need to identify the ways you express your anger to determine if you need to change the way how you respond to situations. You may have reacted too aggressively or too passively. Either way, you can learn more about yourself and make plans to deal with it.