“People are so annoying!”
Enraged and frustrated, my friend blurted that statement out one afternoon while he was teaching a group of students about managing anger.
I can’t blame him. Sometimes, it’s easier to teach than to practice what one preaches.
With new technology and engaging social networks — thus more connections to many people in a few, short blinks — the exposure to countless stimuli can become overwhelming. Irritation grows as the opportunity to face intriguing personalities increases.
Intense intrigues, spreading gossips, veiled bullying, and passionate drama can’t be avoided in any workplace. Under these unwanted scenarios, keeping your nerves under control can be extremely challenging. Patience —a must in any situation — is often hard to practice.
What are the effective ways to handle anger at work?
Identify you triggers
What triggers you to be angry? What upset you the most? Be aware of your surroundings. Discern the type of people wandering around your sphere. Recognize those hidden triggers that make you want to scream or ran away. Meanwhile, deal with those apparent triggers right away, those that have given you sleepless nights and chest pains. Never allow them to steal your health and your happiness.
Practice relaxation
Breathing exercise and progressive muscle relaxation are easy, portable exercises that can release muscle tension and calm your nerves. Before anger sets in, take five minutes of deep breathing. Pause. Loosen your body. Listen to the soothing music of the 60’s. Have you done any walking or snowshoeing lately? These simple activities don’t cost much but their benefits to your mental and physical health are tremendous.
Be prepared
Know some skills on dealing with complex situations and complicated individuals. Know when to walk away and when to assert your rights. Be prepared for any battles that may happen without your consent. And if battles come your way, choose how you will respond. Most battles are not worth fighting for. They’re just thorns that can make your life miserable, if you let them.
Know your enemies
Identify those coworkers who give you some early morning headaches and those who shower you with uncomfortable, never-ending intrigues in late afternoons. Know those individuals who often hatch a devious plan, whose sole purpose is to make your life difficult. Discern those who create major issues out of nothing just so they feel important. For your peace of mind and contentment, avoid them. If you can’t, always try to be friendly.
Show appropriate demeanor
In any testy social situation, show confidence and firmness. Be willing to acknowledge your coworkers’ emotions and opinions. Display your interest in their issues; listen intently even as you show respect. If you are tempted to blurt out harsh words, choose to be quiet instead. Your presence should have a calming effect. Smile. Show a pleasant demeanor regardless of the situation.
Through these five tips, you should handle anger more effectively. And avoid any tough, provocative work-related problems along the way.
