Anger Management: Punching Pillows and Other Helpful Tips

BritishTea is like the Incredible Hulk, minus the green skin, and with a lot more self control.—Sparkitors

I get angry. A lot. And mostly about things that don't really matter that much. After all the fighting is done, I feel bad about letting my temper get the best of me. And since I know I'm not the only one with this problem, here are a few ways to handle your anger without hurting the people around you.
1. Hardcore music.
Some people claim that certain types of rock music make teens violent and evil and horrible, because we're just angsty bundles of hormones. That isn't true—at least not for me. This music lets me express my feelings, and knowing that someone else is going through the same crap really helps me. Plus, I get to express my anger in a way that really won't hurt anyone. (Except once, when I headbanged a little bit too hard and hurt my poor wittle head.)

2. Just think it over.
I'm the kind of person who dwells on her mistakes. For example, I'm randomly staring at this guy in class, 'cause I think he's kind of cute. He catches me and asks, "What?" I'm like, "Uh... nothing." He shrugs and everything's fine. But not for me. As soon as I go home, I completely overreact, thinking that "Oh my gosh, now he thinks I'm a creepy weirdo. He'll hate me!" I get angry at myself and my bad mood often hurts other people.

Instead of letting this happen, think rationally. Do I seriously think that person will ignore me for the rest of my life just because I was caught staring at him? Uh, no. (For the record, he and I are totally friends right now.) Is the problem really not a big deal? Thinking it over can calm you down and put it all in perspective.

And if you're angry at someone for something specific, this still works. What is it that's really making you angry? Is it the fact that your friend told you that overreact a lot, or the fact that she's right and it's hard for you to accept that? Thinking about the problem itself can help you come to terms with yourself and the people around you.

3. Physical activity.
Go jogging. Go swimming. Just do something! It will help you clear your mind and relax; physical exertion is a great distraction. Not to mention, working out leaves you too tired to be angry. (Plus, you might lose a pound or two if you get angry often.)

4. Read a good (or bad) book.
Reread the last few chapters of Deathly Hallows! Reminisce and laugh at Edward's and Bella's completely unhealthy and creepy relationship! Fawn over your favorite characters! Simply get your mind involved in something else, and focus on that instead of on your frustration. I am almost a hundred percent sure that you'll feel better after reading a few chapters of good literature (or comedy, if we're talking about Twilight).

5. Talk to someone.
This one kind of depends on the kind of person you are. I like sharing my angry-ness via the internet, because talking about it in person just makes me feel kind of awkward. But a talk with a friend or parent, a word of advice, a sympathetic comment—they can all help you feel better.

6. Punch your pillows most brutally.
This always seems to work for me. Just be careful, 'cause the RSPCP (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Pillows) might get you.

Anybody else have any anger management suggestions?

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