Releasing Anger in Other Forms?

Post Reply New Topic

I've been having issues with anger for a long time and have managed to cope with some of them by working them out in anger management classes.

But there are some people that get to me in such a way that I just want to scream and cuss or act out in such a way that it would only get me in trouble.

I do some running and physical activities.

But I'm wondering if taking boxing might help or using a punching bag for boxing?

However, I've heard critics say that it only adds fuel to the fire and yet I hear a different story from other people.

So first of all, does anyone else have issues with anger and if so what activities besides "managing" them have gotten you through them?

Do you think boxing might be a good outlet for it?

I have serious anger problems myself. I'm fairly certain that I know what you're going through. I think boxing could be a good outlet, but if it doesn't work, it might just make you that much more likely to actually punch someone. I've learned to cope by avoiding people when possible. When I am around them, if someone pisses me off, I try to ignore them now. It's not easy, but it can be done. Unfortunately it's required me to develop a kind of arrogant/self righteous/as*hole attitude. I basically just assume everyone is stupid unless they prove me otherwise. It's hard to take someone seriously when you honestly believe them to be stupider then you can comprehend. So far, not very many people have proved to be otherwise... so it works quite well.

Yeah, I have some anger issues, for me realising when I am starting to get angry, and removing myself from the situation is what helps me. I also have a punching bag that helps lots, most of the time I work out or get away from what is making me mad, to get my mind off of it.

Like this forum not loading, and getting the alex video, sends me to my punching bag

Martial arts. Martial arts teach you the technique to use on your punching bag as well as the mental abilities to keep your anger under control. It's worked very well for me!

I use this CD, it is fantastic!
http://www.amazon.com/Anger-Releasing-L ... 112&sr=8-1

I agree. There are so many life lessons in martial arts. I would look into it.

My outlet is to run or lift weights. I run and bike 6 days a week and lift weights every other day. I'm religious about it because it's what makes me feel balanced. when I get angry, I throw it into my workout and really push myself past my usual limits. The hurt feels good.

Something I was doing last summer - until some financial idiocy caught up with me - was get involved in an organization called Amtgarde. Some of you here may have heard of it. Live-action combat with well-padded weapons - sort of a "Fantasy Fight Club" if you will.

Unlike a lot of groups like that, you can also choose a class for your persona (I was playing an assassin). Every meeting you attend, you get "experience" credit for whatever class you choose to play. You gain levels in order to give your persona extra abilities (Example: for the assassin, you get eventually gain the ability to poison your weapons, lay a trap before the battle starts, etc.) Things like that give you a reason to attend regularly, not to mention it's a great way to blow off some steam.

I'm voting with the guys who said "marital arts" or structured boxing. In my experience, if I just have something to whale on (I had a punching bag for ages), it is semi-helpful. What really worked was doing sports that involve controlled aggression.

The energy and the frustration comes out, but it takes a form besides raw anger. You shape it, hone it, and use it.

WOW, only 20 years to get this attitude. I hope life work out for you but assuming everyone is an idiot is not the best way to make that happen IMO. Others can tell when you have an elitist, arrogant attitude and will return that to you in kind.

Yepper. You get what you give.

And how are you specially equipped to identify stupid people? I am, by some definitions, stupid. (Been called "stupid" all my life). But I'm actually pretty cool and fun and witty - and actually quite smart.

I've kinda, sorta dealt with my anger issues - but on those occasions when I do get pissed off - I like to hit golf balls and baseballs.

I hesitate to recommend this, but I also enjoy archery. Target practice is rewarding and de-stressing - but I don't picture I'm killing anyone or pin up a picture of the source of my ire. I picture I'm Robin Hood showing off to his Merrymen. (Also have a pellet gun but I don't use it for stress relief. Just good old redneck fun.)

Just be careful not to awaken any violent tendencies (you eluded to it with boxing).

If there's one in your area, go to a shooting range that lets you rent their guns. That's probably the most relaxing thing I know of when I have a lot of built-up stress.

Nah... I'm rather good at hiding my thoughts and emotions. There are many people that think we're friends even though I really despise them. Stupid people are everywhere. I'd wager that at least 80% of people are stupid by my standards. If a person never makes any attempt to educate themselves about things before spouting a bunch of false info... That's one of the main contributing factors towards me thinking they're stupid. Because the first thing I'm going to do is read up on the subject and then I'll know if they were full of it or not.

I boxed for 2 years and found it to be an enormously effective way both of releasing and controlling anger. Boxing is a skill to learn, an angry boxer is not a good boxer. If you have issues with anger then boxing is a great way to channel those issues, while giving you more self-esteem (you get fitter, feel better, etc.). It's best to look around and go to a few gyms before you settle on one, meet the people or person who runs it as well or will be taking classes, so you can see how you feel about the set-up at any particular place. The place I found was non-macho (lots of women took classes there in kick-boxing) and had an attitude of respect for each other and learning a skill, the guy who ran it would not tolerate anyone trying to be Rocky. If it hadn't have been for increasing work commitments and a bout of depression I'd probably still be going there.