4 Useful Anger Management Tips for the Holidays

So the question beckons, "is there a an fast way to not get so absolutely angry?". The answer to that question is both simple and complex. Anger is an feeling. Scientists still don't know if we truly have "control" over our emotions. Regardless of that answer, we do know that we have control over our behavior.

There is a common myth that has circulated over the years that other people can "make us" behave badly. That position is obviously flawed because by taking it we essentially are blaming anything we do wrong on the other person, thus making our actions the responsibility of others. While our emotions might be hard to control, we always have control over how we want to respond and react to any given situation. And, by the way, being in a bad mood or having a bad day doesn't give anyone the right to behave horribly towards others.

Here are a few anger management tips that can be gained in any quality anger management class:

1. Learn to be a better communicator of your feelings and wants. Most people really have a hard time with this simple change. They tend to behave aggressively and don't know how to explain to others what is really going on emotionally or what they need from the other person in order for them to change. Learning how to be assertive is a skill easily acquired in a quality online anger management class or in person anger course.

2. Gain skills in Stress Management. Gaining skills in stress management can make you feel better and not snap as easily. Simple techniques in stress management include getting regular exercise, eating appropriately, meditating, and getting adequate sleep. Stress is often viewed as a silent killer. We can't see all the destruction stress causes internally to our physical body or psychologically. If you don't have good coping skills for stress management, these can also be learned in a trusted anger management course.

3. Learn how to Forgive and Let go. By learning how to forgive, we let go of a lot of emotional baggage that we carry around. Forgiving isn't just good for your psychological health, but also has helps physical health too. You don't have to forget what happened, but by learning to let go, you free yourself of the emotional suffering carried by holding a grudge or not forgiving someone in your life.

4. Gain skills in Empathy. Most people who suffer with anger lack good skills in emotional intelligence. Empathy is important because it connects us with others and lets others know we can feel what they are feeling. Lack of empathy causes problems in almost all interpersonal interactions and creates significant impairment in non personal situations such as being put on hold while on the telephone. Again, these skills can be learned in a quality anger management program.

Don't let your anger create problems any longer. Anger is one emotion we all emote, but letting our anger control our lives can erode meaningful relationships. Find a certified or licensed anger management class, and get the help you need.

Find out How Many Anger Management Classes you Need!

What is the optimum length anger management program to begin? Ironically, this is one of the most frequently asked questions we get asked of potential anger management clients who are considering registering for a program. There are several ways to decide what what duration class would be the best fit for your specific needs. Here are a few suggestions to help guide your decision:

1. Court Mandated Anger Management Classes: If the court has instructed you to take an anger management class, then they usually determine the length, such as an 8 session anger management class or 16 session anger management class. Sometimes courts will mandate classes all the way up to 52 sessions, depending on the circumstances of the offence. If the Judge does not specify the length, then it is usually up to the the anger management professional to decide how long the course should last.

2. Self Referred Anger Management Classes: If you have taken it upon yourself to register for an anger management class, then the provider will usually tell you how long of a class they recommend. Most anger management programs are about 8-12 sessions/hours in duration. Some instructors will require a pre-assessment at the beginning of the anger class to let you know areas of strength and weakness. This is sometimes helpful to determine which areas should be the point of focus during the class. Those clients in a group class or online class could also consider a quality and quickly scored online anger management class assessment The results may also help guide you in better understanding the severity of your anger. While the pre and post tests are helpful, ultimately taking a ongoing anger management class would be recommended regardless of the outcome. Anger classes cover tools that almost anyone can immediately benefit from, even if there are areas that you already possess a high degree of skill.

3. Work or Significant other Referrals: Sometimes ones employer may refer the employee to an anger management class due to an employee exhibiting inappropriate behavior. Classes can be taken in a variety of ways including a group, weekly, 1/1 anger coaching or through a high quality online class. Similarly, spousal referrals sometimes refer their partners to anger management due problems in the relationship that have caused distress. Similar to the self-referred customer, most anger management classes run about eight to twelve sessions total. While more classes might be helpful, most curricula can be completed in this length of time.

Anger management is a journey in self-awareness and change. Anger can erode and destroy the most meaningful of relationships. Classes are easily found on the internet but choose a quality and trusted anger class online site or find a local provider in your area.