Quick Guide to Managing Your Anger

Anger is a destructive emotion even though it's a very common experience. 

Everyone gets angry at some time or another. Although some people have learned such self-control that they won't show their feelings, rest assured that their close friends, relatives, and especially their doctor know that they are angry. 

It can show up in migraine headaches, ulcers, skin problems, allergies, and even sexual problems. While these problems are not always or even most always related to angry feelings, there is a relationship between feelings and physical well-being.

Anger is an amalgamation of many negative feelings and both can and should be expressed in a constructive, healthy way. It is, therefore, necessary to learn how to manage anger and act in appropriately assertive, but not an aggressive way.

Assertive or Angry
Now, a distinction needs to be made between being assertive and being aggressive. Being assertive means letting others know what you feel in a way that doesn't put anybody else down. Whereas, aggressive behavior is always at the expense of somebody else. You will get your way, but you will step on somebody else to do it.

Common situations that provide great opportunity for practicing assertiveness include returning faulty merchandise to a store; asking a neighbor to quiet down, starting a conversation with a stranger, giving a speech in public, or asking someone for a favor.

In contrast to this, aggressiveness is demonstrated by you believing that you have to be right or have the right to be the winner, thus, you find yourself attacking the other person. If you always must have your way at the expense of the other person, as I mentioned earlier, you will get it, but, your relationships will deteriorate, others will reject you, and you will find yourself suffering from a negative self-concept and poor self-acceptance.

Managing Anger

So, to manage anger, begin with the knowledge that anger can be controlled and resolved. You must cease placing demands on yourself and others through shoulds, oughts, and musts. Often anger specifically entails a should. "You should have known better." "You should not have given the car keys to your brother. " The more shoulds and should nots - the angrier you will be. Increase your overall level of happiness. 

Happiness is not like height. You just don't get a certain amount of it and have to live with it. Learn to let go of the unimportant anger triggers. Realize that your anger will hurt you more than the target of your ire. Learn to express justified anger in an assertive and not in an aggressive way. 

And, keep in mind that the fewer shoulds, oughts, or musts you have, the happier you and all those who associate with you will be. Call (773) 614-3201 if you need help. 

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5 Great Success Habits You Need to Have

Let's agree that we first make our habits and then our habits make us. 

From a psychological point of view, habits are well learned responses that are performed automatically in response to some stimulus, often unrecognized by the performer.

If you had to stop and think about anything, it's not a habit.For example, most of us have acquired the habit of using the mouse for navigating the internet, using a word processor, reading, composing e-mails, and so on.

Nevertheless, using the mouse for these tasks and other related tasks are much less efficient and productive than using the keyboard. Once you begin using the keyboard, you'll quickly realize a more effective use of your time and increased productivity.

If you are skilled in using the keyboard, you cannot tell without stopping to move your fingers which finger is used to type "k" or "r". Your typing has become a string of habits too fast for thought but highly desirable for efficiency.

In that you are likely using Windows, here are some simple Microsoft Windows keyboard shortcuts you can be using now: Windows key + D (Desktop to Foreground); F2 (renames a selected file or folder); Context Menu (Right Click); Alt + underlined letter (Menu drop down, Action selection); Alt + Tab (Toggle between open applications); Alt, F +X or Alt +F4 (Exit application); Alt, Spacebar + X (Maximize Window); Alt, Spacebar + N (Minimize Window); Ctrl + W (Closes Window); F2 (Renames a selected file or folder). Getting the keyboard habit is the key to productivity.

It is easier to form good habits than to change bad ones. However, forming new habits requires a daily commitment. Here are some additional good habits that can add to your success That as an independent consultant I have found to be useful:

1. Read consistently at least 15 minutes a day in your chosen field. It doesn't matter whether they are books, articles, or reports.

2. Get to the bottom of the subject or issue to understand the pros and cons and arguments for and against it. The habit of getting to the bottom of things, usually land you on top.

3. Clear your desk at the end of the day. A cluttered desk at the beginning of your day, makes for a confused start and detracts from a sense of focus.

4. Identify six items that can be accomplished by the end of your day, write them down and make a sincere effort to complete all six.

5. Get some file crates. Put them next to your desk and place, in them, the files you are working on for easy access.

Habits are either your best servants or your worst of masters. Make your habits your best servants.

Are your habits your best servants? Leave your comments below.

 

Stay Healthy. Here are your 20 Common Everyday Super Foods

Here are the 20 Common Everyday Super Foods you must incorporate in your diet regularly and the reasons why. 

I've been a committed vegetarian for over 52 years, so you will not see any flesh foods listed here. 

  1. Bananas

      Filled with fiber and potassium  and may even help with a hangover

  2. Brown Rice

     The whole grain version is full of fiber and may cut the risk of diabetes.

  3. Grapes

      High in antioxidants, which may help reduce cholesterol 

  4. Oatmeal

      High in fiber, low in fat, and may even help lower cholesterol                      

  5. Tomatoes
      Contains exceptional amounts of the antioxidant lycopene that remains in the              flesh of the tomatoes even after cooking and canning. Choose the ones with no            sodium added.

  6. Sweet Potatoes

      High levels of vitamin A, contains beta-carotene (which may help prevent cancer and protect you from the sun) and also helps keep your skin silky smooth 

  7. Spinach

      Nutrient dense with vitamin A, K, and calcium

  8. Black Beans

 Packs a ton of fiber and has a solid amount of calcium, fiber, potassium, and folic   acid

  9. Eggs

      When in need of protein, eggs are quick and delicious

10. Pinto Beans

      Full of protein and fiber 

11. Lentils

More protein per pound than beef. Lentils are a filling food with antioxidants (and quite tasty, too).

12. Low-fat milk.

One-calcium filled glass can help keep teeth strong and even help keep off those excess pounds.  

13. Low-fat Yogurt

      Filled with protein and calcium

14. Low-fat Cottage Cheese        

      Surprisingly high in protein, and tastes great in both sweet and savory  dishes.

15. Whole Grain Pasta

      Full of fiber, antioxidants, and protein, and may help lower risk of heart disease.

16. Apples

      Get this super food for a serving of vitamin C and cancer fighting antioxidants.

17. Onions

      Onions pack a surprising nutritious punch, including a hefty dose of  antioxidants. 

18. Oranges

      Oranges aren't just about their vitamin C, it is also filled with fiber, and                          potassium.

19. Coffee
      This morning pick-up contains antioxidants to help protect the heart, and is a              great pre-workout fuel to help increase endurance.

20. Tea

      Go for the green tea if you're looking to maximize your antioxidant intake.   

The varying health benefits of tea are plenty, ranging from their antioxidant powers to helping maintain a healthy weight.    

These are feel good foods that are great for the body and even better for your budget. 

What do you think of these foods? Leave your comments below.