Coaching Information

How to Control Your Anger: Retreat and Think Things Over


How to Control Your Anger: Retreat and Think Things Over

Jim and Mary Jones loved each other deeply, but often went into horrific verbal battles over any number of issues. They would argue and yell for hours, often into the night, leaving both of them exhausted, emotionally disconnected, hurt and resentful toward each other.

Both became so upset they were flooded with negative feelings which prevented their being able to repair the damage, to think rationally, or to problem-solve the issues at hand.

Much of this emotional suffering could have been prevented or least minimized had they learned anger control tool #8:

-"Retreat and Think Things Over."

Basically this means to temporarily distance yourself from the situation for a period of time so that both of you can calm down. This allows your bodily systems to return to normal, and allows your normally good reasoning and thinking ability to return.

Easier Said Than Done

Yes, it is much easier said than done. It is one of those tools that sounds deceptively simple, yet it is by no means easy to do for at least two reasons:

There is a common myth that all relationship conflicts should be "settled" in the moment while the intense feelings are present. If you do not do this, you may be accused of "avoiding" the issue.

Once stress or anger levels escalate to a certain point, one or both partners reach a point of no-return, due to flooding of the brain with intense emotions. This makes it almost impossible to disengage from each other and stop the fight.

Heed these Warning Signs

You know it is time to Retreat and Think Things Over when you are:

? Feeling overwhelmed during an argument
? Raising your voice to an unusual level
? Feeling your temper is out of control
? You notice your heart racing
? Sense your muscles tensing
? Can't think straight and you start to feel hostile.

Why this tool works

Temporarily removing yourself from the situation allows your body to return to normal, provides a cooling-down time. It also allows your brain to return to its normal state where you can reason and think better.

This tool helps prevents you or your partner from saying unfair or hurtful things in the heat of battle-which can easily escalate into further conflicts and resentments, causing you and your partner to become even more emotionally cut-off and distanced from each other.

Some Basic Rules

While the concept of "Retreat and Think Things Over" is simple, it will not work very well unless the following rules are followed:

Rule #1: You can only use the tool for yourself - not your partner. It does not usually work for you to tell your partner it is time for them to retreat.

Rule #2: Announce that you need to take a time out and Retreat before you do it. This should be done using assertive communication in a way that clearly conveys your need to leave before thing get out of hand, as opposed to your leaving to merely avoid dealing with the situation.

Rule #3- You need to commit to a reasonable length of time to return and deal with the issue- no longer than several hours, as a general rule.

Rule #4: Don't drink or use drugs to get high during this time. It will be much harder, if not impossible, to convince your partner of your sincerity in wanting to work things out if you return intoxicated or high.

Rule #5: Be very careful and very selective in who you talk to during your Retreat Time. While there is a natural tendency to contact a friend or family member who is sympathetic, you should be careful.

Why is this important? Because they may have a permanently negative view of your partner, even after you have made-up and things are now fixed in the relationship.You can't necessarily expect your family to turn the positive emotions back on like you have.

Temporarily removing yourself from the situation allows your body and mind to return to normal, allowing your normally good reasoning to return.

Dr. Tony Fiore is a So. California licensed psychologist, and anger management trainer. His company, The Anger Coach, provides anger and stress management programs, training and products to individuals, couples, and the workplace. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter "Taming The Anger Bee" at http://www.angercoach.com and receive two bonus reports.


MORE RESOURCES:

Washington Post

Ex-Seahawk Jim Zorn's approach helps him stand out in coaching role
Seattle Times, United States - Nov 20, 2008
By Danny O'Neil PAUL SANCYA / AP Jim Zorn was the starting quarterback in the Seahawks' first season and returned as quarterbacks coach in 2001. ...
Zorn, again: Former assistant returns with Redskins Seattle Post Intelligencer
Zorn thinks Holmgren will return to football The Associated Press
Why Are the Seattle Seahawks Free Falling? Bleacher Report
Washington Post - Washington Post Blogs
all 422 news articles


Fighting Irish Insider

Little news on the coaching search
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Nov 20, 2008
Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood is in town interviewing with athletic director Scott Woodward for the head coaching job, as I explained in my ...
UW coaching search - Rumors flying fast and furious Examiner.com
Report: Houstonian Haywood interviews with Washington Houston Chronicle
Haywood expected back from trip to Washington Rivals.com (subscription)
Chicago Tribune - South Bend Tribune (subscription)
all 23 news articles


Clemson coaching search heats up, again
Daily Journal, SC - 8 hours ago
By Will Vandervort (Contact / Staff Bio) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Clemson coaching search to replace Tommy Bowden continues to roll right along even as ...
Spiller thrust into spotlight The State
all 6 news articles


San Diego Union Tribune

Three-time Olympian, 61, still cycling, coaching
San Diego Union Tribune, United States - 18 hours ago
By Don Norcross John Howard represented the United States at the 1968, '72 and '76 Olympic Games in road cycling. He won the Ironman Hawaii triathlon in ...


Benefield has done best coaching job
Times-Journal, AL - 8 hours ago
During his first 16 years as a head coach, Benefield led his teams to the state quarterfinals six times, the state semifinals twice and the Class 2A state ...


Fitz scores 36, Giorgis gains coaching record in Marist victory
Times Herald-Record, NY - 6 hours ago
Rachele Fitz scored 36 points and Marist coach Brian Giorgis became the school's career leader in coaching victories as Marist crushed Northeastern 93-65 ...


Lindenhurst loss bitter end to Biancaniello's run
Newsday, NY - 6 hours ago
Biancaniello said he doesn't want to retire and plans to continue coaching. "I need a new challenge," he said. "I'll be coaching football somewhere; ...


UF success puts coordinators on head-coaching hot list
Florida Times-Union, FL - Nov 20, 2008
By Michael DiRocco, The Times-Union GAINESVILLE - Florida football coach Urban Meyer knew he'd eventually have to deal with losing one or both of his ...
Head to Head: Florida vs. The Citadel GatorCountry.com
Gator Gameday Gatorsports.com
Citadel a heavy underdog The News Herald
all 24 news articles


Final game not just drop in the Bucket for Tiller
International Herald Tribune, France - 15 hours ago
So forgive the old Cowboy if he gets a little sentimental Saturday against Indiana, especially if he finishes his coaching career by reclaiming the Old ...
Tiller gearing up for coaching finale in Bucket Game The Herald-Times (subscription)
Tiller prepares for last Oaken Bucket game Journal and Courier
IU-Purdue in the bucket Evansville Courier & Press
Journal and Courier - Journal and Courier
all 26 news articles


May wins coaching debut
Briton SportsNews, MI - 9 hours ago
ALBION - Jody May was a winner in his debut as Albion College's head men's basketball coach as the Britons turned back Defiance College, 82-65, ...
• New Albion coach opens with a bang MLive.com
all 3 news articles

Coaching - Google News

home | site map
© 2008