Control anger before it controls you

Yoga or pranayama, timely food and timely sleep, vegetarian food and drinking water at regular intervals can help you subdue your anger A "Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." - Aristotle Every human gets angry, but out-of-control rage isn't good. When you can't control your anger, you may get into fist-fights or shouting at the pitch of your voice, breaking things or even endangering yourself and others. A study by scientists says that anger can increase people's blood pressure, sugar levels and chances of developing coronary heart disease and may lead to worse outcomes if they already have heart disease. Anger can also lead to stress-related problems, such as insomnia, digestive problems, and headaches.

You can control your anger Anger is a completely healthy symptom as long as it is under control, but when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems, disturb your relationships in the family, at workplace and overall quality of life. Constant anger consumes huge physical, emotional and mental energy. It can lead to frustration, depression and bad reputation.

Anger is one letter short of danger A young executive purchased a new car; parked it in the garage, and went inside to invite his family members to see his new vehicle. To his shock, by the time he came out his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the brand new car. The man ran to his son, knocked him away and hammered the little boy's hands into a pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.

Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from the boy's both hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery and saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, "Daddy, I am sorry about your car." Then he asked, "But when are my fingers going to grow back?" Think about the story the next time you lose your patience and become angry with someone you love. The man cried and went home to throw the car into the dump yard. Upon taking a closer look, the man saw that his little boy had etched, "I love you dad" on the new car.

Control anger before it controls you People with high levels of anger develop authoritative personality, aggressiveness while their relationships with family members and friends will be deteriorated. People usually move away from such a person. In Japan and China, it is mandatory for executives to undergo certain physical and yogic exercises to control their negative emotions so that they do not ill-treat their colleagues.

To diffuse anger

• In the heat of the moment, don't use abusive words that you'll later regret. Think before you talk.
• Hold your anger, stop thinking negatively, and focus on something positive.
• Practice yoga or pranayama every day for 14 minutes.
• Timely food and timely sleep helps.
• Prefer "satvik ahar" and vegetarian food. In Western countries it is followed religiously.
• Drink three to four litres of water every day during frequent intervals.
• Listen to music or sing as if nobody is around you.
• Make a telephone call to someone you love.
• Tune to your favourite channel on TV or Radio.
• Prayer is the best method to get peace.
• Practice relaxation exercise. Slowly repeat the words "relax", "be calm, be cool. I can control my anger and take things easy". Repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply.

If you feel that your anger is really out of control, if it is impacting your relationships and on important events of your life, you might consider a medical doctor or a qualified counsellor to learn how to handle it better.