The Anger Zone

Mindfulness: Simply put, mindfulness is the practice of observing the present moment. Through mindfulness, you can discover and then consequently study without judgment your internal responses to external stimuli. Eventually, you are able to recognize the physical sensations and thoughts that surface, signaling your anger. One easy way to practice mindfulness is to focus attention on a single breath, enjoying one full inhalation and one full exhalation. Just a few seconds of mindfulness each day has important residual effects.

Practice 20/20 Foresight: On many occasions in life you find yourself in a scenario that has triggered your feelings of anger in the past. When you know that you are going to be confronted with such circumstances, some advanced planning often helps. Decide how you are going to react to the situation before it even presents itself. And do your best to stay in the present moment. Forewarned is forearmed!

Know Your Anger Triggers: Keep an anger journal to chart what events throughout your day or week trigger your anger. This will help build awareness and increase your ability to practice 20/20 foresight as well as mindfulness.

Do not discharge your anger. Experience your anger, percolate with your anger and allow it to share its wisdom with you. If you sit with it, it will tell you what you need to do.