Mark Twain once said, ‘Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything which it is poured’.
According to APA, Anger is an emotion characterised by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. Like other emotions positive and negative anger also is an integral part of every life.
We need to understand the causes behind aggression.
Why will we get angry with a person or a situation? The answer is simple; when the person or situation is not according to our expectations. Let's deal with both things separately.
First lets deal with the person. We get annoyed with the people we are dealing with everywhere - home, workplace, friends and family.
We must introspect and think whether our expectations from that particular person are reasonable and justified. If we are right then we must try to train that person according to us and if not then we must take the onus of not expecting the right thing from the right person. The other reason might include that of back-stabbing or we are being cheated.
We must maintain the distance, not deal with the person and in case he is your work associate you may replace him, take responsibilities back from him or create situations that he leaves on his own.
Don’t react in anger at that time. Wait for the right time and opportunity.Let us look at some key points to control our anger.
Keep a record of what all triggers your anger and on basis of that develop the strategies
On feeling angry; start deep breathing, count till 10, start thinking about your favourite hobby, play your favourite music, meditate for 5 minutes or go for a walk.
Anger may lead to destruction if not controlled in time. The bombings at France and Lebanon in 2015 are classic examples of the built-in anger and aggression for a long period of time. I wish as educators we are able to instil peace and harmony in our students so that we don’t witness the attacks and outbursts of aggression. Respecting each other and being tolerant is not only needed in our country but across the world.
Dr Vasudha Neel Mani
Vice-Chairperson Learning Forward India
Principal Rockwoods International School Udaipur