What to do with your anger

Does anger sometimes get the best of you? How do you handle your anger?

There's nothing wrong with feeling anger. It's a normal human emotion. The anger itself is neutral. It's what we do with it that can be either positive or negative.

When you have a situation that makes you intensely angry, stop. Feel the anger in your body. Notice what's happening with your body and where you're feeling it most. Just pay attention. Physically feel the movement of the anger through your body.

Once you've stopped to notice what's happening, you are far better able to make a choice about what you want and need to do to release it. Ask yourself: What do I need to do with this feeling?

Perhaps you really need the release of punching a pillow. Or you need to scream it out. Maybe just walking it off will help. Walk outside—or jog on your treadmill. Say, "I'm angry. I'm really angry" over and over as many times as you need to, perhaps raising your voice each time.

Do whatever will safely let off the steam and the pressure. Feel the difference in your body as gradually the movement and the words release the strong feeling. Then let go of it all—perhaps even with some deep breaths. By then you should feel much calmer and more peaceful. The problem may still be there—but you'll be able to handle it when you've siphoned off some of that anger.