>
> It's easy to get hopping mad. Anything can set off anger -- your spouse
> forgot to pick up the kids at school, your co-worker is making life at the
> office miserable, or your flight to Atlanta has been cancelled. Of course,
> worrying, feeling hurt or even recalling unpleasant memories can also
> result in anger. In fact, any number of difficulties, both big and small,
> can ignite fury.
>
> Certainly, some people are naturally angrier than others. They're just
> born grumpy. These people have a low tolerance for frustration; they can't
> take everyday annoyances in stride. And then there are people who like
> their angry side; their rage makes them feel powerful. "Men feel macho. A
> Saturday night doesn't feel right without a good barroom brawl," says
> Michael Schulman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in anger
> in New York City. "Their sense of self is connected to their ability to
> explode."
>
>>From mild irritation to intense rage, anger increases the heart rate and
>>blood pressure. And worse, the effects of anger can sometimes be
>>devastating. People who regularly feel steamed up often suffer physical
>>problems such as stomach ulcers and heart attack. A Johns Hopkins study of
>>more than 1,000 physicians reports that young men who quickly react to
>>stress with anger were five times more likely than their calmer
>>counterparts to have an early heart attack even without a family history
>>of heart disease.
>
> Clearly, anger can take its toll. So how do you manage such emotions?
> While aggression is a natural reaction to a threat, inappropriate fury can
> be damaging. Finding the right response is important. So is it healthier
> to express or suppress your feelings? Researchers are still unsure.
>
> Some people focus on positive things rather than brood over angry
> thoughts. The goal is to redirect your emotions into constructive
> behavior.
>
> While this can be helpful, there are some dangers in this approach.
> Redirection can be a form of suppression. If your anger remains a force
> and you keep it simmering inside, there is the possibility of serious
> consequences such as depression. In addition, unexpressed anger can lead
> to passive-aggressiveness -- indirectly putting others down, for instance.
>
> If you are prone to internalizing anger, expressing yourself may be a
> better path. The key to successful expression is assertiveness, which is
> not to be confused with being pushy or demanding. Making your needs clear
> without hurting others is a healthy way to deal with anger. "What kind of
> relationship do you want with others?" asks Schulman. "You need to be
> clear with how you want to interact with people; once you're clear, you
> can step back and count to ten."
>
> There are a number of ways to keep anger in check. Directing your emotions
> in a constructive and positive way can be learned. Here are a few
> strategies:
>
> Relaxation can help ease your emotions. Try these methods:
>
> * Deep breathing techniques, such as meditation.
>
> * Exercises such as yoga.
>
> * Visualizing a relaxing experience, such as walking on the beach.
>
> * Repeating phrases such as "calm down" also helps.
>
> Better communication:
>
> If you are in a fiery discussion, slow down and think about what you are
> saying. It also helps to listen to the other person; listening will help
> you form a careful response. If you do this, you may even discover the
> underlying problem.
>
> Humor:
>
> Lightening up also eases hot emotions. Humor often diffuses intense
> confrontations..
>
> Take a break:
>
> Scheduling personal time is important to regain perspective. Try physical
> activity such as a brisk walk; writing down your thoughts; talking to a
> friend or listening to music.
>
> Coping with angry feelings can be tricky, but now you know how to stay in
> control.
REMEMBER ANGER IS ONE LETTER SHORT OF DANGER
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