Positive Ways to Release Your Anger

Anger is a natural human emotion. When you deny that you are angry, you prevent yourself from releasing your true emotions. You may have trouble releasing anger because you were taught, as a child, that it is inappropriate to express your emotions in public or you may feel that expressing your anger makes you appear weak in front of others.

Regardless of the reason, stifling your anger can cause a variety of psychological and physical health problems. It is important to acknowledge that you are angry and respond to that anger in a positive way. There a variety of ways that you can release anger in a healthy way.

The following suggestions can aid in releasing anger: 

Admit that you are angry

The first thing that you want to do when releasing anger is to openly admit that you are indeed angry. Trying to pretend that you are not upset or angry will only make the situation worse. Although you think you have successfully stifled your anger, it will eventually come out in another way.
For instance, if you find out that your best friend betrayed you, you may pretend that you are not angry and have forgiven her, but in reality you may become more critical of her then you used to be or you may not hang out with her as frequently as before.

If you have been harboring resentment for a long time, you may have trouble releasing it. It may take time for you to identify your triggers and understand why you are angry, but with practice you will be able to process your anger and release it when you feel it approaching.

Identify your triggers

Recognizing your triggers can aid in releasing anger. In order to free yourself from the anger you feel, you must identify what is causing it. It is important to note that the exact cause of your anger may be multi-layered or ambiguous. You may be so accustomed to suppressing your anger, that it may take you some time to accurately recognize the signs.

For instance, the true cause of your anger could stem from a disagreement you had with your wife that morning - not the debate you had with a co-worker during a team meeting. You may think that the debate with your co-worker sparked your anger because it was the last thing that occurred, but in reality it was the argument with you wife that sparked your anger. If you cannot correctly identify your triggers you will not be able to free yourself from your angry feelings.

Write down your feelings in a journal

An effective way to get to the root of your anger is to write down why you are angry in a journal. Writing down what precipitated your anger and how you responded to it can actually aid in releasing anger. Write in your journal every time you become angry and continue to write in it until you feel better.

"Let it go"

"Letting it go" plays a significant role in releasing anger. Holding on to pent-up anger will only increase your stress and intensify your frustration until you to explode with rage. In order to successfully get past the situation that ignited the anger, you will have to "let it go." Do not hold on to the anger and hurt, rather forgive and move on with your life.

Share your feelings with a friend or family member

Sharing your feelings with friends and family can actually help you release anger. Those closest to you can offer valuable suggestions and advice. In addition, friends and family can help you think of solutions to your problems and offer support so that you do not have to cover up how you really feel.
Scream

Screaming can actually aid in releasing anger. Screaming provides you with an opportunity to release your anger. A good scream can reduce your stress, relax your muscles and release your tension. Take a plastic bat and hit a large pillow until you feel your anger dissipate. Make sure you scream as loudly as you can while you beat the pillow. After a while you will calmer and more relaxed.

Anger management counseling sessions helps you understand the anger management cycle. Where your anger has come from and what you can do about it! Learn new coping strategies.