I KNOW I work best under pressure but when I am under pressure AND things don't go as planned, I just go berserk! I become irritable that I just might bite someone's head off if any one unsuspecting person crosses my path and decides for whatever reason to mess with me. These are the times when I honestly feel that I may have anger management issues because I really, really become agitated for anyone to even attempt shop talk. Arrghh. Everything nice and sunny just goes out of the window.
Maybe it is more of anxiety than anger but whatever it is, the end result always seems to be me, gaining the irk of my siblings and close friends! That rush, of all things good and bad, just leaves me emotionally "charged" that I know that sparks will definitely fly.
You must have felt this way about certain things, knowing that not-so-good just mind end up presenting itself, putting you in a compromising/awkward/embarrassing predicament. One that you most likely will end up regretting and wanting to kick yourself in the head for. Yes, I know this all too well.
Most days I accept it as it is. It really is how I am. But then again, I wouldn't want to keep alienating friends and family so I try to not be that way all the time. How? Well, the following have worked for me somehow:
Anticipate. I know I already said that it usually happens when unexpected things happen but you can still have a general game plan to help you manage your negative behavior. I have made it a habit to identify warning signs that lead to releasing the "monster." When this happens, it helps to be mindful of what is going on so that you do not end up drifting into the deep end because you know that sucks.
Try to keep calm. Anxiety begets panic and panic begets even more panic! Take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Be objective and try to take the emotions out of the equation. I always try and give myself a mini pep talk. "You can do it!" "Don't panic!" "You'll be fine!" They don't always help but when it does, thank you! Do you know that deep breaths are overly underrated? Try it!
When all else fails, disengage! For those of you who regularly read this column (thank you!) You probably have noticed that I use "disengage" a lot. Yeah, it's my favorite word because it works for me. When you become overwhelmed about the things that have began to bother you, just disengage. Do other things totally unrelated to what is bugging you. Think happy thoughts. Sing. Dance. Do both. Do all of the above! Be all there for yourself first before you worry about everything else. Just do yourself a favor and do away with the nega stuff, okay?
Happy Sunday Everyone!!! :)
