How to Let Go of Anger: Release the Rage and Resentment

We all have moments when we want to explode from anger. We can’t take it anymore. But there comes a moment where you must learn how to let go of anger.

I know about anger. Actually, I’m pretty angry right now. I was rejected a couple days back from a guy I confessed my feelings to. I have a right to be angry *more sad, but there’s definitely some anger mixed in there*. Sometimes it is time to move on, and these are 15 ways to learn how to let go of anger.

How to let go of anger – The healthy ways to do it right

Is it healthy to hold onto anger? I mean, I have a right to feel this way. However, when is it time to let go of this anger and move on? A better question is, how do you let go of this anger? I can’t be angry about this for the rest of my life and if you’re angry, neither can you. So, we’re in the same boat in learning how to let go of anger.

You may become angrier before you get better, but it’s part of the process.

#1 Reflect on why you’re angry. Maybe you had an argument with your partner because they left the milk out on the counter. Is that really the reason why you packed your bags and are staying at your mom’s for a couple of days?

You need to ask yourself: why am I angry? Is it my behavior that made me feel this way or someone else’s? [Read: How to forgive someone: 15 positive ways to unburden your mind]

#2 Let it out. I don’t care how you let it out. Write it down, cry in the shower, or scream in your pillow. Sure, they’re cliché methods, but who cares? Do you need some alternative method to release anger? No! You do whatever the hell works for you. So, put on some metal music and give yourself whiplash if you need to.

#3 Talk with someone who isn’t involved. If you want to know how to let go of anger, remember that the best way to process information and/or situations is to talk it out. When I had a fight with my ex-boyfriend, I bitched about it to my friends, and they gave me great insight on my reaction. You’re not always going to be the good guy in a situation and you need to know.

#4 Surround yourself with support. You went through a situation that caused you pain which means you’re going to be emotional. You need some good buddies and supportive family members around you during this time. Someone to listen to you and advise you. Because trust me, when you’re angry, you’re not always rational.

#5 Focus the attention on yourself. I know how easy it is to focus on what happened and find yourself unable to get yourself out of that hole. Focus your attention on yourself. Go out with your friends, take some classes—things that help you relieve your emotions and put you in a positive mindset. [Read: Life’s a bitch? 17 feel-good ways to make yourself feel better]

#6 Make the decision to let go. You have to want to let go. If you don’t want to, there’s no rush, maybe you’re not ready yet. So, if you’re angry, be angry. However, at some point, you’re going to get tired and want to move on. That’ll be the moment when you allow yourself to move on.

#7 Don’t suppress it. Many people ignore their emotions and distract themselves. I get it, it’s a lot easier to suppress it than to confront your emotions. In the long-run, it’s not healthy for you and only causes more problems for yourself in the future.

#8 You need to forgive, for you. Forgiving is hard, but you need to do it. You don’t have to forgive that person for them, you need to do it for yourself and your peace of mind. It’s not going to be easy, you’ll probably be an emotional wreck at the time. After, you’ll feel this enormous amount of pressure release off of you. That’s the goal. [Read: How to forgive someone – 15 ways to unburden your mind]

#9 It takes time. This isn’t going to blow easily. It may take you weeks, months, or even years to finally get over what happened. However, the longer you harbor the anger inside of you, the longer it takes for you to move on. Be emotional, let it all out. In the end, you walk out a better person.

#10 Don’t take it personally. Maybe your friend said something mean to you when you weren’t expecting it. Don’t take it personally. People react in different ways because of themselves, not because of you. You just happen to be the person receiving the message; however, people are self-interested. [Read: What to do when you feel like no one in your life cares]

#11 Say it out loud. I know you’ve replayed the situation in your head 1000 times and reenacted what you said or what you should have said. Maybe it’s better just to say it out loud. It actually helps you see what went wrong. Say out loud to yourself how you feel, and why it’ll help you process your emotions.

#12 Meditate. Your mind is constantly on, thinking about thousands of different things. However, meditation helps you control your thoughts and allows your mind some quiet time. It’s all about refocusing your thoughts and helping you focus on the present instead of the past. Something we all could use. [Read: Positive vibes – 17 ways to welcome positive energy into your life]

#13 Remember when someone forgave you. Since you’re human, there’s a chance you screwed something up along the way. But remember when that person forgave you? Forgiving yourself and the other person has a lot to do with letting go of shame and guilt. You’re freeing yourself.

#14 Sweat it out. If you’re pissed, like I am, I suggest hitting the gym or going for a run. That’s what I’m doing and let me tell ya, putting my anger into my set of squats is the best thing I could do. Not only will I get a great ass, but I’m releasing my negative energy in a positive way. [Read: 25 inspirational tips to get motivated and work out]

#15 Positivity. Be positive. I know it’s hard, but you must try to look at the situation in a positive light. Did your partner break up with you? Well, on the bright side, it’s better to know now than five years down the road that they don’t love you. Am I right? Hell, yes, I am. But, of course, it’s a hard thing to swallow. Give it time.

[Read: Rules of life – 22 secrets to never be unhappy ever again]

Now that you know how to let go of anger, and the steps you need to take, take charge and let go of the anger that’s been eating you up inside. It’s time to be free!

The post How to Let Go of Anger: Release the Rage and Resentment is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.