10 Ways to Lower Stress and Manage Anger

From the daily, regular stress that comes from living in our highly active culture to specific life events that knock us for a loop, the impact of stress accumulates. Recognizing our stress “triggers” is a critical first step in reducing stress and anger. The following are daily ways to help you maintain balance or get back to well-being.

1. Do something physical. Exercise, walk, play a game, or garden.
2. Breathe. Deep breathing , especially when you find yourself irritable or angry, will help you learn to activate, balance, release and recover from an angry or stressful situation.
3. Retreat. Find a place – your sanctuary, your bedroom, a park bench, your place of worship — where you can be quiet and restful. Go there as often as you need to.
4. Watch what you eat. Drink water, eat fruits and vegetables. Be aware of any “emotional eating” habits you may have under stress. Stay away from alcohol, fatty foods, and caffeine, when possible.
5. Get it out. Talk to trusted friends or a counselor. Keep a stress and anger log. Use the formula for assertive communication. (Contact S.A.M.I. for a copy of our “Assertive Formula”)
6. Learn to say no. Care for yourself first or you’ll have nothing to work with when others need your help.
7. Laugh/smile. It’s impossible to stay sad or upset with a happy grin on your face. Let go, let God.
8. Change. Alter your beliefs, people you spend time with, locations, jobs, or activities.
9. Relax. Take a nap, bath, or shower. Take a “healthy time out” (no less than 20 minutes yet no more than 60 minutes). Get a massage. Do absolutely nothing
10. Have some fun. Remember to take some time to play, be creative, and do things that serve your life purpose.