Why is it that some people seem to get angry at the drop of a pin? Well I don’t know about you, but when I’ve been experiencing stress for days in a row I can become easily angered and snap at my daughter. It’s also even easier for me to yell at the guy in the next lane that doesn’t know how to drive. Most people find that when they have been under acute or chronic stress for a period of time they get angry fast!

The problem with anger is that it affects our health and physical well being. Symptoms from being angry include feeling light headed, having chest pains or an upset stomach. You may experience heart palpitations or have difficulty breathing. If you experience chronic stress and remain in an “angry mode” long enough, your anger can give you high blood pressure and other health problems.

If you find that you are angry a lot then you probably need to find ways to relieve stress effectively. By relieving stress you relive your anger. Here are 5 simple steps that can help you control your stress and anger.

1. Figure out the source of your stress that leads to your anger. You need to know where this strong emotion is coming from and what’s causing it. Does the way your significant other points out your faults stress you out and get to you? Does your boss’s constant “critique” of your work get you hot under the collar? If it does then you need to figure out a plan for overcoming stress and the resulting anger. When stress builds up and anger is unresolved it simmers and then escalates to the point where you can actually explode. Instead of enjoying connecting with others you’ll find bitterness winding its way your daily interactions. Determine to figure out the source of your stress. This will allow you to defuse your anger.

2. If you are not already on one, start an exercise Program. Find an exercise program you like. If you’re really stressed and angry you might try kick boxing classes for relieving stress. This type of activity physically vents your emotions. Some people enjoy jogging or working out at the gym as ways to relive stress. Others find swimming a few dozen laps or trail biking works for them. I have found that Tai Chi and Yoga help me overcome stress and release any anger I might be holding on to. Just find something you like and use nature’s best way to relieve stress and anger.

Warning: Always check with a doctor before starting any exercise program but especially one that you’re putting all your anger into. You could find that your blood pressure might rise abnormally.

3. Find someone to tell all your troubles to. In 1965 Simon & Garfunkel recorded the song “I am a Rock” that contained the lyrics, “I am a rock, I am an island.” I believed in those lyrics for a long time. As a result I seldom shared things that were bothering me with anyone. When you keep everything inside you can become unbalanced. This can take form in many ways but for me it came in the manifestation of alcohol abuse while I was in the service. After I got out of the service I went to college I studied psychology and learned to share my feelings, first with a woman I was dating and later with close friends. I found that this was a great method for relieving stress.  If you’re not already doing this, find a friend or make an appointment with a therapist. It will change your life.

4. Learn to forgive. We all belong to the human race. So guess what we have in common. We all make mistakes. You aren’t perfect and neither is anyone else. Just like you didn’t mean it neither did your spouse, friend or co-worker. There are times when we all overstep our boundaries and hurt somebody’s feelings or make somebody mad. If you make the mistake, remember its all feedback. If it’s somebody else that makes the mistake, get over it, forgive them and move on with your life. It is an excellent way of overcoming stress and circumventing anger buildup.

By the way, I’m not saying this is easy. Some people find that forgiving takes a lot of effort. I know that this was true for me. At first you may find it difficult to forget the hurt and suffering you went through, but it can be done. The biggest key is recognizing that as long as you hold on to whatever is angering you the other person maintains control over you. Forgiving releases you from the power other people have over you.

One technique that has worked for me is the angry letter technique. What you do is write a letter to the person who has caused you all this pain and suffering. Write down, in detail, everything he or she did and how it affected you. Really put your pain and anguish into the letter. Feel it deep inside. In the end, write “I forgive you for all the pain you caused me. I wish you well.”  Then burn the letter and experience the wonderful release of negative emotions.

5. Seek guidance from a Higher Source. If you believe, as I do, that there is a higher source of power, ask for help. Share the hurt you have inside, as you would with a friend. Ask for guidance and believe that you will receive it. You’ll find that ideas will spring into your mind on how to resolve your pain. Take heart and remember that, “This, too, shall pass.”

There you have it, 5 simple steps that can help you control your stress and anger. Use these methods for relieving stress and controlling your anger and you’ll live a healthier happier life. Imagine what would happen if you started using these steps today.

Wil Dieck is the founder of Total Mind Therapy and author of “Overcoming Stress”, an e-course that you can have at absolutely no charge. Drop by http://www.OnlineStressReliefCourse .com/ for your copy today.