REDUCE ANGER TO LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFE

Did you know that you can die from anger? Anger can cause a number of life-threatening incidents such as stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks and cancer.

It may also flare up illnesses such as diabetes, back pain, skin disorders, stomach problems and asthma.

Well known cardiologist Dr. Willie Ong has these tips on how to reduce anger. They are:

REST WELL --
Don’t overwork yourself. When you try to work too hard you pressure yourself. If you’re well rested, it will be harder to make you angry. Take a walk, or sit down with a friend. These activities can help you to relax.

EXERCISE --
Physical exercise can reduce stress and tension. By getting your body tired from exercise, you won’t have the pent-up energy to get mad anymore. Exercise also releases feel-good and happy hormones.

DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL --
Alcohol and anger are a deadly combination. Please do not be tempted to drown your anger in alcohol because this may lead to bigger problems later on.

WAIT YOUR ANGER OUT --
If you’re angry with someone, don’t confront the person right away. Wait awhile. Try doing slow, deep breathing exercises in the meantime. If possible, delay confronting him or her for a day. When the time comes, your anger might have passed already.

THINK LONG-TERM --
Ask yourself: Is this issue I’m angry about going to affect me in a year’s time? How about in 10 years? If the answer is “No, it won’t affect me,” then you might as well forget about it.

GET BUSY --
People who have nothing much to do tend to become more irritable. Little things that other people are doing become a bigger deal and a source of irritation. It’s better to focus your energies on your own projects.

DISTRACT YOURSELF --
If you feel your anger rising, one trick is to distract yourself. Read a magazine, look at a different scene, or mentally think of a beautiful place. This will shift your mind to other things.

GIVE YOURSELF SOME ALLOWANCE --
You don’t have to be a perfectionist. Prepare yourself in advance for delays, traffic problems, and glitches in meetings.

AVOID UNPLEASANT SITUATION --
Know the things that usually make you angry. Are you going to a meeting or a party you’re not comfortable in? Before getting yourself stuck in those situations, try to either prepare for it or just avoid it.

PRAY --
As the Bible tells us, “Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.” This is hard to do, but forgiveness and acceptance may be the only permanent release from anger. Everybody makes a mistake, knowingly or unknowingly. That is why Jesus teaches us to pray, Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Yes, it’s easier said than done.

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