Volume 10 • 2023 • Issue 1

• Healthy Workplace Series • The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks website www.workhealthlife.com PuttingAnger in itsPlace: Strategies forUnderstandingandManagingAnger We all feel angry sometimes and most of us have at some time or another lost our tempers—which is really just another way of saying that we have lost control of our anger. If this happens on a frequent basis or is affecting your relationships and/or performance at work, it’s time to take action. Out-of-control anger will ultimately have negative affects not only on the people around you, but can also affect your health. In looking at the idea that anger may be a cause for concern in your life, you’re taking an important first step on the road to better relationships. Tips and Tools You Can Use Anger management begins with identifying the problem and possible causes, and then working on strategies to help express legitimate anger appropriately and manage unhealthy anger. For many, this includes anger that we may unknowingly be directing at ourselves. You don’t have to struggle alone—there are many resources to help you. Here are some tips to get you started: Dealing with Anger Constructively Dealing with anger well involves communicating how you feel honestly and in a way that will not intentionally hurt the other person. This can include: Develop a “time out” contract with yourself. Try the following as a useful strategy to get in touch with—and get beyond—your experience of anger: 1. List the physical symptoms you have when anger builds. 2. List “hot thoughts” you usually have such as, “I can’t let him get away with this.” 3. Call time out with yourself. 4. Try deep breathing—breathe in through your nose for eight seconds, and out through your mouth for sixteen seconds. Repeat several times. 5. Change your thoughts. “I’ll show him!” becomes “What will best help me right now?” “He always does this to me,” becomes “I’m the only one who can make a fool out of me.” Be assertive. Although anger often has adverse consequences, anger can also be useful. There are times when it energizes us, causes us to take more action, and leads us to our being more assertive. Being assertive does not mean being a bully or being mean. Being assertive means expressing feelings and beliefs in helpful and honest ways. TheMembers’AssistanceProgram (MAP) is sponsoredbyCDSPI and provides confidential short-term counselling support, professional guidance, resources and referrals for dentists, dental office staffand immediate familymembers.MAP services are complimentary and accessible24/7/365. ContactMAPat 1.844.578.4040 or visit theirwebsiteat workhealthlife.com. MAP is operatedbyLifeWorks (formerlyMorneauShepell), the largestCanadian-basedEmployee andFamilyAssistanceprovider in the country.Available services vary by region.UseofMAPservices is completely confidential within the limits of the law. 32 | 2023 | Issue 1 SupportingYour Practice

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