Anger Management and the Holidays
Why is it that people seem to be more stressed out during the holidays?
During the holidays people usually have many expectations, pressures, and events that cause stressful responses. The holidays are also an emotionally charged time as people tend to remember loved ones that have passed away and/or experience nostalgia of times past. The holidays may also bring up painful memories that people grieve during this time. These past and present events can affect us in negative ways as we try to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends. Stress can manifest in several ways for people but for most of us it can tend to make us irritable, frustrated, upset, remorseful, depressed, and angry. Here are some helpful anger management tips, having to do with the power of choice, that can help us cope with stress in order to enjoy are more peaceful and joyful time.
Know your triggers, if certain situations or people cause you to be anxious or angry you can choose to limit your time with them or you can choose to leave a conversation by politely excusing yourself or you can choose to not see them at all. If the situation is already triggering your anger stay calm and relaxed and try your best to explain your feelings in a positive way.
Choose to stay peaceful, by telling yourself that you are not here to argue or get angry you are there to celebrate the joy and love of family and friends. Choose to stay present by using breathing techniques. Breath in for 6 counts through your nose and exhale for 4 counts through your mouth. Do this breath exercise as many times as you need to maintain your equilibrium. Choose to stay centered and at peace.
Choose to use humor instead of anger. Humor brings light into a heavy and heated situation. Many time just the act of laughing releases endorphins in our bodies that have claming effects on us.
Remembering that no one has control over us, that we are always in control of all of our emotions and feelings is the most important key to learning to choose to stay peaceful and calm during the holidays or any other time in our lives.
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