by Cody Hodge

Created on: January 05, 2009   Last Updated: November 17, 2009

We all encounter stressful situations while we are at work, and we all know the reasons why we get stressed. Whether it be the amount of work we have to do everyday, the people we have to work with, or the boss is just being a jerk, there are plenty of things that can raise our blood pressure to an unhealthy level.

So with all that we face everyday, it is easy to see why some people would get angry, and we all go through situations where we find ourselves getting upset. Whether it be we get angry at ourselves, our co-workers, or that machine that just isn't working properly, how do we find ways to not get so angry? After all, most situations are ones that we cannot control on our own, and in theory shouldn't get us all worked up in the first place.

Maybe that is the answer to our problems at work. We could avoid most of our anger by realizing that some of our problems aren't even ones that we can control. I think if we really thought about our day in a calm, rational way, we would just sit back, and laugh at some of the things that we get upset about during the day.

I know that when I take a second to calm down after a stressful situation, I find it funny that it bothered me at all. Chances are it is a routine event I get mad at, like an angry customer, or a co-worker who has called in sick again. I come to realize that I should expect it, and either handle it better or quit, no use getting upset over a situation I face everyday.

Another good way to avoid anger, is to have a good outlet for your frustration. Usually when I get upset at work, I will find someone to vent too about it, and get it out of my system as soon as possible. Luckily, I have good co-workers, who can relate to my problems, and I to theirs, so that our workdays go by much smoother in the face of stress.

If you cannot find an outlet for you emotions, try to write down what is bothering you, or just go outside for a few minutes, so that you are away from the situation. The worst thing to do is let a bad day simmer, and fester inside you, and just take over your emotions for the whole day. It will take your focus off your work, and it will set a bad vibe for everyone else around you too.

Avoiding anger at work is like avoiding anger anywhere else, just deal with your problems head on, and if you can, find someone to talk to. Vent as soon as possible and don't let your anger linger. It will only make things worse, and if you learn how to confront your anger, you will soon feel it less and less, and then you will feel it creeping up no more.

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