Stress and anger can seem impossible to deal with when they are present. People often have a hard time coming up with solutions while they are in the midst of that emotional turmoil. The best solution is to be armed with strategies before stress and anger even occur so that your thoughts and emotions can be effectively managed.
Strategies to Relieve Stress and Anger
Music Therapy
Perhaps one of the easiest and cheapest ways to relieve stress and anger is with music therapy. Music therapy is not complicated, though. It is simply listening to the right kind of music that addresses the situation. In the book Healing Sounds, Arthritis Today the author states that an angry song or a song with a heavy beat can help in exploring and, therefore, releasing a pent up emotion like anger, while slow, soothing music can help people to relax.
Positive Self-Talk
People tend to think negative thoughts like how terrible things are when upset. Having preplanned positive thoughts to recite to yourself in heated moments can help to replace the negative when stressed. Try remembering a very positive experience, a compliment, or any other positive attribute or accomplishment. Make a note of those positive occurrences and, when stressed or angry, mentally verbalize or visualize them.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins that make people feel good. Running, jogging, or other activities can release endorphins, and result in feeling less stress and anger in a short period of time. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood because it can be done almost anywhere at any time. It can even take place at work on a short break.
Journaling
Writing in journals is an easy and effective means to relieve stress because it provides a safe, private way to vent feelings, thoughts, and frustrations. This helps prevent pent up issues that can otherwise expand or even explode.
Use Healthy Distractions
The element of distraction can also be beneficial. The next time anger or stress seems to be taking over, try doing something, anything that helps to focus the mind on something other than the source of your frustrations. For example, after a stressful day at work, rather than going home and dwelling on it, try knitting or painting. Taking up a hobby of some kind can help you focus your mind on something more positive.
Getting Help for Stress and Anger
While most stress and anger can be managed through the simple self-help techniques mentioned above, excessive levels could result in the need for professional help. Sometimes we have a root cause for our negative feelings that we just can’t see, and it could be linked to another disorder, such as depression, that may require ongoing counseling or therapy. Help for children who are suffering rage and stress may be especially important because they often do not yet possess the same self-management skills as adults.
Always remember, there is no shame in seeking assistance for the things we can’t manage ourselves. If stress and anger are causing you anguish and you can’t see a way to reduce those feelings, reach out to a mental health professional for help. Whether you remedy things on your own, or need guidance, you deserve to have peace, calm, and a positive mindset.
Hammond Psychology and Associates is the go-to resource for residents seeking psychological evaluations from a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to learn more about our Psychological Testing services in our Brandon location.