How to Release Your Anger

Anger is a powerful emotion. It can inspire people to do what they normally would not have the nerve to do. It can bring out monsters or grow spines. Anger can be used just like any other tool: for harm or for good. Releasing anger can be a method of self control to get rid of unwanted frustration without all of the negative repercussions.

Say what you want to say. Many times, it may seem as if no one is listening to you and that you do not have a voice. Anger can magnify this sense of lack of control over your own life. Give yourself a voice by writing down everything you would like to say to the other person or about the situation. Do not send this letter to anyone yet. Sit down and write down every little thing that bothers you and causes you frustration. Be specific, give examples and leave no stone unturned. If you need to, take a break and return to this task at a later time. Put this letter in an envelope with a date on it, stating "To be opened at this time by (your name here) and to be evaluated." Put the letter in a very safe place, out of the reach of children.

Wait two weeks. Having the opportunity to vent, release and describe all of your frustrations will greatly speed up the release of your anger. In two weeks time, open the letter and notice any changes in yourself. Do you have the same issues or different ones now? Are most of them released and only a couple of them remain? Perhaps all of the problems listed are mundane at this point. However, if they are all still issues and you are not able to burn the letter, give some thought to sending it, unedited, to the person concerned.

Physically remove the anger. One of the best ways to release anger and frustration is to work it out in a gym or in front of a boxing trainer. Video games and violent television shows help this frustration as well but the anger tends to stay within the body, ready to come out. You must physically release it to actually get all of it out of your system. It is fine to cry, scream and show emotion during your workout. Many emotions are effectively released when working out the body. This is an especially effective tool to use when dealing with years of past anger, resentment and frustration which you may or may not be able to present in person to the individual involved.

Little Children. If you are apt to display large amounts of anger in public places, a surprisingly effective tool is thinking of little children. As adults, we all want to be the best examples that we can be to the younger generations. As you are yelling, imagine a little child standing there watching you and listening to you. Is this how you want a responsible adult to appear to them? Among work and home environments where this behavior is generally accepted by adults, it can be difficult to fully hold yourself accountable for your behavior. Putting yourself next to an innocent child can dramatically decrease spontaneous, out-of-control rages.

Who do you want to be? We all like to think of ourselves in a certain light. We imagine that we are good, hardworking, responsible people who fulfill obligations and make the world a better place. Think of your closest family members. Do they see you as this person or do they see someone else? Sit down and write down the sort of person you would like to be. Imagine how you would respond to certain situations and write down the ideal circumstances. Having a goal for the future is important to change.

Anger is, indeed, a powerful emotion. It can bring the biggest men to their knees and make giants out of little girls. Use this tool well, and when you cannot use it, release it appropriately. Your emotional house will be a lot cleaner if you take out the garbage.