10 Effective Tips to Manage Your Anger

Take deep breaths while lying down or sitting. Breathe in filling your lungs for 5 seconds. 

Hold your breath for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds.

Visual Imagery- Imagine a peaceful and relaxing scene. Maybe imagine a place you went to on vacation such as the beach. Imagine the sounds, smells, and sights.

Walk away from the situation contributing to your anger. 
Count to ten. Slowly count and think about how you want to respond to the situation.

Find humor in the situation. Try to make light of the upsetting event.

Listen to soothing and calming music.

Meditate. Concentrate on breathing and clearing your mind of the negative event.  

Journal your thoughts and feelings to diffuse your anger. 

Express your anger in a healthy fashion by using "I" statements. Assertively communicate your thoughts, feelings and needs. 

Get some exercise. Channel your negative feelings into a healthy physical activity such as yoga, bike riding or walking. 

Replace the negative thoughts with inspiring words or thoughts.  

Improving Family Dynamics - Traits of a Healthy Family

1.  Family members communicate openly with each other

     and also feel listened to.

2.  Family members support and affirm each other.

3.  Family members respect and trust each other.

4.  Family members make the time to do things

     together as a family.

5.  Family members have positive, optimistic attitudes.

6.  Family members work together to develop effective

     problem solving skills and coping strategies.

7.  Family members have a good sense of humor

     and have fun with one another.

8.  Family members have a strong commitment to

     the family and have a sense of belonging.

9.  Family members don’t take each other for granted—they show

     appreciation to each other.

10.  Family members have shared spiritual values.

11.   Family members share responsibilities. 

12.  Family members respect privacy. 

Complete a family assessment to determine if your family has these traits.   Each member of the family should look at the traits mentioned above and give your family a score of 1 to 10 for each of the traits.  Share the scores with one another to identify weak areas and encourage a discussion that can help you improve these areas.