Anger is a visceral emotion, and when it springs up we can’t squash it down. As a secondary emotion, it is triggered by something deep inside of us. And in itself, it’s not bad. Anger is our body and brain telling us that something doesn’t feel right. Perhaps you feel unsafe, disrespected, out of control or violated. This anger seems to fill every cell of our body until we can’t contain it, and we are forced to express it and address the root cause.
When people don’t manage their anger – or listen to it – it can lead to violence, loud arguments, the break down of relationships and injury. Ultimately, this doesn’t actually address the root of someone’s anger, it just enlarges it until it’s an uncontrollable force dominating their life. But what if anger was something you listened to, rather than reacted to? By expressing our anger in healthy ways – that is, ways that don’t harm us, any other living being or people’s property, we can change the course of our life and live with a healthy sense of power.
Here are four easy ways to express your anger:
- Break icepole sticks
Once upon a time, icepole sticks were just used for kid’s craft projects. But did you know they make a satisfying ‘crack’ noise when you break them in half with some force? Take a bunch of icepole sticks, write what you are angry or upset about on them, and then break them apart. The adrenaline required to break the sticks gives you a sense of control and pushes the tension of your body.
- Do an endurance activity, like running or biking long distance
After a long stressful day or a triggering encounter with someone, our bodies are pent up with emotion and energy. Going for a long run or bike ride pushes your body and mind to the limit. Any agitation or aggression you hold can be expelled by pounding the pavement, and you can keep pushing until you are exhausted and the tension has left your body. Expressing anger this way can also give you greater clarity because your head clears, and you are less reactive to situations.
- Practice boxing
If you hold anger at a certain person or event in your life, boxing is a safe way to enact your aggression and experience some form of justice. Buy your own boxing bag, go to the gym, or spar (safely, with gloves and helmets!) with a friend. This is one of the most grueling aerobic activities, and your mind is so busy focusing on your movement and synchronization, that you are removed from dwelling in anger. Rather, you push it all out with every punch, block and leg movement.
- Learn Martial Arts or Self Defense
When we feel unsafe or violated, our anger can cause us to hide away or retaliate. Instead, by learning Martial Arts or any form of Self Defense sport, we take back control of our body and our space. Learning the precision and practice of these sports means we know how to protect ourselves in the future – but it also reminds us that we are strong, capable and are not defined by other people’s behaviour towards us. If you want to become more at home in your body, or you live with a sense of fear, pursuing these sports even at a casual level, can greatly benefit your body and mind.
Do you experience angry outbursts? Do you feel out of control, or has someone in your life expressed concern about the way you speak or act due to anger? Do you have a child who shows signs of anger? Call Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now.
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