People frequently ask the question, "Hey, Dr. Novick, can you give me some quick tips on how to better manage and control my anger?". The answer to that question is simple on many levels but also complex. The short answer is that by attending an
anger management class or participating in an
online anger management course, one will quickly be exposed some useful skills in better managing or controlling anger or aggression.
There is no "quick fix" in anger management. Anger control skills must be learned over time and by practicing some very specific interventions. Because anger management is skill based, practice is the key to success. Just like getting better at golf, tennis, or math, repetition is critical for developing and retaining new and improved ways of dealing with anger and stress.
Here are a five simple tips that have helped thousands of previous clients. Reading of them just creates awareness, but learning them will take much more.
1. Improve communication and listening skills. Almost 80% of communication is non verbal. Communication training is an effective way to improve an otherwise angry response.
2. Gain stress management skills. Simple life changes such as getting more sleep, eating correctly, exercising more and learning to self-sooth.
3. Improve empathy towards others. Those that have more empathy tend to relate better with their friends, family and co-workers and have less conflict.
4. Forgive. Skills in forgiveness give us the freedom to let go and not hold on to anger.
5. Take time-outs. Simple but effective. Learn the proper way to take a time out from attending a professional
anger management courseAnger management is a personal journey to improve interpersonal skills and better our relationships. Anger can often have lasting and harmful effects on others. Learning anger management tips may not be enough. Taking and successfully completing
anger class would be an excellent first step in moving towards the sobriety of anger control.