How Do I Let Go of Anger in Recovery?
With elections just recently behind us, there have been feelings of anger, fear, resentment, and other ones that come up for people. On a daily basis, the news spreads lots of ideas and information that people take in without thinking about it at all. Social media spreads news of every kind from every corner of the world. It is easy to get enraged about politics, entertainers, or other things if you really want to let it take over your life. Letting go of anger is key to a healthy, long-lasting recovery. Find out some tips for letting go and working towards healing.
Anger as an Emotion
Anger is a natural emotion. It is a healthy, appropriate, emotional reaction. Anger is an emotional response to an imagined or real wrong that may have happened. Sometimes people get angry simply because they need something to be angry about. Anger takes place in the present, when life is not going the way we think it should. In this way, anger is corrosive. It shapes the subconscious and unconscious mind to evoke lots of feelings. Anger serves several defensive purposes including:
- Working as a shield to deflect emotions
- Provides a sense of power and control
- Directs focus outwardly
- Resentment builds, closely related to anger
Resentments form when people get angry toward a person or situation and hold onto it. This may continue for many years as people refuse to let things go. Learning to heal your heart and mind takes time and begins with releasing resentment towards others.
Taking Action
If you are sick of feeling angry, or know someone who is angry a lot, it might help to share the following tips and keep in mind it is a journey, like any other practice:
- Practice identifying and allowing yourself to feel emotions that anger may be superimposed upon like hurt or fear
- Strive to be present and accept the feelings and vulnerability
- Be present to observe, allow, and hold anger loosely
- Identify how you contributed to the situation, being mindful everyone has a role in the situation
- Journal, do art, or find other expressive means of getting anger and resentment out
- Find self-calming techniques that work like mindfulness, meditation, yga, or relaxation
- Seek therapeutic support for lasting issues or trauma
- Seek to practice knowing that the past cannot change and acceptance frees attention and energy from the shackles of anger
There is a quote that people sometimes adhere to when thinking about anger and resentment: don’t let the sun go down on your anger. The truth is, every day is a new day to practice just being a little more kind to yourself, a little more compassionate towards others, and finding healing on the journey. There is no right or wrong answer, it is just about being present to know the emotions are there and that help is available to learn how to cope in a positive way.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. We teach you techniques to deal with anger, bitterness, resentment, and other issues holding you back from healing in recovery. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.