Anger can be a tricky emotion to process. How we deal with anger can often lead to real-time or long-term social and health consequences. Here are three of the best and worst ways that people commonly deal with anger.
The Worst Ways: 1, Venting. Venting to friends is often counter-productive because it perpetuates volatile feelings which can prevent a solution. 2, Getting Physical. "Research has shown pretty conclusively that hitting a punching bag increases the likelihood that you will aggress against real people, including innocent bystanders." Brad Bushman, Communications Professor Ohio State University, via CNN. 3, Supressing. "Simply ignoring anger long-term is a surefire way to increase its intensity in the long-run." David H. Rosmarin, Assistant Professor Harvard Medical School, via CNN.
The Best Ways: 1, Taking Deep Breaths. Taking deeps breaths while counting to ten does wonders for lowering physiological arousal when a person is angered. 2, Problem Solving. Rather than engaging in a fight or flight response, the same energy can be channeled into working towards a solution to what caused the anger. 3, Positive Thinking. Putting yourself in a positive state kicks out the anger. A good way to achieve this is by doing something kind for others.
