Sometimes you just want to scream.

[Pam Horton]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Okay, I feel better now. Grin.

Have you ever had a moment, or a day, when you just wanted to scream out loud? I bet most of us have.

What do you do in those instances?
• Scream at someone?
• Kick the cat?
• Punch a wall?
• Throw something?
• Drive too fast?
• Lose you temper and lose your job/friend/spouse?
These are all possible options, but I would say they are not very good options.

What would be some better choices for releasing that frustration?
• Exercise

Walk/Run
Shoot hoops
Kick a ball
Swim
Any of your favorite sports
• Play the drums
• Punch a pillow
• Scream into a pillow
These are some relatively harmless ways to get that frustration out.

The best idea might be to recognize that you are starting to get frustrated and nip it in the bud.

What are some signs that you are getting frustrated?
• Gritting your teeth
• Balling your hands into fists
• Holding your breath
• Headache
• Lack of patience

How can you stop frustration before it erupts?

Deep breathing
Sit in the sun for a bit
Watch something funny
Hug someone
Walk away from drama

If you are able to recognize the signs that you are getting frustrated, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by diffusing the situation before it gets to the exploding point.
If you are about to explode walk away from the situation and try one of the stress relievers mentioned above.
If it’s too late and you’ve done some of the items at the very top of the page, you still need to walk away and calm down. Then go back and apologize for your angry outburst.

Of course it is always best to avoid the angry outburst. Remember physical anger is almost always unacceptable (unless in self defense) and words can be very hurtful as well. Reacting in either of these ways cannot be undone. Even after an apology, the hurt still exists and trust may be lost.

Think before you act – be kind, be wise, and be safe.

*Pam Horton is a Certified Stress Management Coach in the Raleigh/Durham area.*

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[Fred T. Gruber Jr.]

We could all use some healthy releases for stress! Great info.

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Or you could keep a large puppet in your vehicle and talk to it when you are frustrated. Not that I have a large puppet of a rabbit in my vehicle or anything like that.

[Pam Horton]

@Diogenes, I suppose a large pupper would work - grin.
@Fred - Thanks!