Stay in control

In these days of stress overload, it is often difficult to keep a lid on the anger. It can boil over and you can lose control. This happens to everyone of course, but women who are spinning too many plates can be prone to a bit of hot headedness.
Try these tips from www.netdoctor.co.uk to keep cool when the going gets tough.

Don’t argue after 9pm
There is no doubt that arguments can get out of hand late in the evening - particularly when couples are tired or a bit boozed. What often happens is something trivial develops into a major row. If this keeps happening in your house, agree a curfew on difficult conversations.

Be assertive rather than aggressive
Some people get angry because they don’t assert themselves. The anger simmers until it boils over. You need to calmly make your point using the word ‘I’. For example: ‘I would like you to help me with the shopping.’ Or ‘I’d like you to explain what you need.’

Get more leisure
Many people work crazy hours these days, making them constantly irritable and angry. Anger and irritation can be reduced by finding more time for you – you need to delegate and make sure you get a lunch break.

Take plenty of exercise
Exercise is an excellent stress-buster - and if you reduce stress, you reduce irritability and anger. Everything from a brisk walk to a circuit at the gym or a game of squash raises the level of endorphins (happy chemicals) in your brain.

Have a laugh
Laughter is a great antidote to anger - particularly if you can laugh at yourself. It’s almost impossible to stay furious if you find the funny side of the situation and can let off steam this way.

Drink less alcohol
Many people with anger problems find alcohol makes things worse. After a couple of glasses of wine, they find they simply have to make their point or put someone right.

Remember four letters
When you get into such a fury you’re in danger of doing or saying something you’re going to regret, whisper the letters SGCB to yourself. These stand for:
• Step back
• Grab hold of something
• Count to ten
• Breathe deeply

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