How Can I Control My Anger At Work?

Are you perpetually angry because you feel that you were unfairly bypassed in the latest promotion round again? Or do you feel that your boss hates you? If so, then it is time to reevaluate whether the anger simmering within you is holding you back. If not kept under control, anger can be destructive; ruining relationships with your boss and coworkers which may jeopardize your future career prospects in the organization. If you want to keep your cool in the workplace, follow the tips suggested here.

Early Control Strategies
The best method to control workplace anger is to take a step back when you feel the anger beginning to boil inside. If one of your coworkers is yelling at you, it is advisable to ask such colleague to consider taking a few minutes break before you can discuss the issue again. Anger can make you say and do things that you might regret later. Alternatively, take a few deep breaths and count to 10 before you say something. This clears your mind and enables you to give well-thought responses. Today’s workplace is full of diverse personalities and you will be bound to come across explosive individuals.

Picture yourself Being Angry
Before you lose it, try to create a mental image of what kind of person you will come across as to your colleagues. Do you like the sight of yourself waving arms around and banging your fists while frothing at the mouth? I guess not. Next time you feel like exploding and throwing chairs around, think about whether you really like the sight of yourself in such state.

Halt what you are doing
Sometimes, a colleague can unintentionally provoke you whilst you are consumed in an urgent and important assignment. At this rate, it is easy to lose it and let anger have the better of you. The key is to take a few deep breaths, stop what you are doing and preferably take a short break outside. This allows you to regain control of your emotions enabling you to make better decisions.

Learn Positive Self-Talk and Humor
If you feel disappointed by your boss or colleagues, it is easy to take it out on yourself. This may prove a fertile point for cultivating destructive feelings such as anger. In such situations, it is advisable to repeat positive words to yourself to prevent your subconscious mind from ingraining the negative emotions. It also pays to see the light side of what makes you angry through making jokes about it.

Take an Online Anger Management Course or Visit a Mental Health Specialist

Before you let your anger get the better of you, it is advisable to try an online anger control class.  You will learn how to better handle your anger and in the privacy of your own home.  They are generally low-cost and can be taken at your convenience without having to drive around town to get to a bricks-and-mortar classroom.  If your anger has reached the point where you find it hard to carry out your normal workplace duties, it is advisable to see a mental health professional. This ensures the root cause of the problem is identified and appropriate therapy or treatment prescribed. 

Engage in Sports and other Physical Activities.
Engaging in sports and physical activities such as walking outside the office hours releases hormones known as endorphins which produce a feeling of wellbeing. This calms you down by providing an alternative outlet from any pent-up anger.