How to Channel Anger into Public Service

We're told today to manage our anger, to minimize it. The trouble is, some of us just naturally function from the energy that our anger provides. Healthy or not, that anger can make us more productive at work, better students, etc. However, using that rush for mere personal gain, which many anger management class dropouts do, doesn't do much for diminishing the level of stress that "intense" individuals face on a daily basis. The key to balancing emotional health is not only venting, but also reducing stress overall. As such, using your anger in the service of others may not only be a source of letting off steam, but it may also help reduce anxiety and pressure. For tips on how to channel anger into public service, read on.

First, consider using your less-than-level head in the world of politics. Change is always on the horizon in society, and it takes a special kind of leader to help the world elect political figures who will take us to the next level. Whether your issue is lowering taxes, universal health care, animal rights, or better access to education, find something in your area that must be improved and get involved in the process of electing officials who will do something about it. High energy and adrenaline are at the core of any election process, and you won't have to wait to help out until the next presidential election. Make use of your anger for the sake of the public by getting a little fired up during city, county, and state elections as well. Campaigns take months of work, so make it your public service duty to stir up the people and incite change by fighting complacency.

On that note, if you like the idea of using your anger to cause public change, you may also fancy the notion of public protests and petitions. Channeling your anger into work that will cause the public to take action not only means making sure that the right officials are in office, but it also means making changes that are being overlooked as time goes on. In this case, anger is an essential element.

If anger is a problem for you but politics and protests aren't your thing, take it down a notch and channel that anger into a social service volunteering project. Women and children's shelters often need volunteers willing to be both sympathetic and strong for their inhabitants. When an individual is abused to the point of needing a protector, they depend on volunteers and workers who are ignited with the anti-abuse flame. Being able to stomach the stress of another's life can help you put a bit of perspective on your own, and using your anger in the role of a protector may give you a way to channel otherwise useless emotions into a service that many women and children depend upon for safety.

If channeling your anger into the role of a protector is right up your alley, you may also be interested in fighting for the protection of animals. Helping creatures who cannot help themselves by bringing their owners to justice is an excellent method of productive anger management. Because finding animal abusers is a tricky and difficult business, it takes a bit of anger and disgust to do the job. Volunteer with your local animal shelter or speak to your animal control and protection services about what you can do to help. You may also wish to consider joining an animal rights group that can update you regularly on volunteering information.

Of course, the aforementioned ideas are suggested only for those with mild to moderate anger management problems. If your anger is causing emotional hardships and stress, channeling that anger into a public service project can help alleviate symptoms and possibly prevent further damage in the future. (Public service requires a great deal of self-control and is not recommended for those with violent histories.)