TEN METHODS FOR MANAGING ANGER

as outlined by Dr. Glenn A. Robitaille

PRIME TIME AMERICA INTERVIEW: November 4, 1999

1. THE SERENITY PRAYER: "Lord, Grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things I cannot change; the COURAGE to change the things I can; and the WISDOM to know the difference.

2. ADOPT REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Examine your attitudes toward others to ensure that your expectations of them are tolerant, generous, and in keeping with how you would want to be treated yourself.

3. RESPECT AVERSION: Minimize the amount of time spent with people or in situations that increase anxiety, frustration, or tension. Never be afraid to walk out on a circumstance before it happens. Count to ten; count the cost.

4. KEEP CURRENT: Do not stockpile emotion. Be consistently honest in your dealings with others and do not let a "molehill" grow into a "mountain."

5. CHANNEL YOUR ENERGY CONSTRUCTIVELY: Use the added energy of anger to constructively confront negative realities.

6. EXERCISE REGULARLY: Physical tension increases our likelihood of becoming frustrated. Exercise releases healing endorphins that help with anxiety and depression.

7. EAT HEALTHILY: Diet has been proven to impact well-being. "Junk food" diets lower inhibitions by increasing sugar levels and slowing metabolism.

8. BE BALANCED: Include something of all that is important to your life. We are physical, emotional, and spiritual beings. All aspects need regular attention.

9. PRACTICE MODERATION: Do not let anyone aspect of your being (physical, emotional, spiritual) rob energy from the other two. Remain in control of all of the influences you allow into your life.

10. PROTECT YOUR SELF-ESTEEM: Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." It is essential that we like who we are. If we compromise the integrity of our self-concept, we create negative energy that eventually gets projected onto others. We need to see ourselves as God sees us, and like who we see.