INHALE & EXHALE: The First Practical Step to Maintaining Your Stress Management

By Rasheed Ahmed


It has often been said that something “is easier said than done”. In the cases of those who support anger management, it is probably easier for them to live an entire day without losing control. Of course, this depends on their level of understanding what it means to be in control of anger. As has been mentioned before, true anger management involves success in four areas: anger management, stress management, assertive communication, and emotional intelligence. What is sometimes difficult for even those who practice anger management daily is stress management. How can any one person catch and handle those bullets that seem to be fired constantly by the stress gun?

This is where things become easier said than done. We often forget what it takes to remain calm when in stressful situations, because we are actually unwillingly thrust into these kinds of situations at times. The Anderson & Anderson curriculum teaches us that we need to take a time out when such an opportunity permits itself. Take a time out and go to a place where you can perform some breathing exercises. Inhale, count to five, and then exhale. Continue to do this until you have reached a point where the immediate stress has been put to a minimum. The purpose of the breathing exercises is to give you the strength and courage to open the double doors that lead to problem solving.

You don’t need me to tell you how hard it is to open those doors sometimes! Sometimes it seems as though you have just been hit in the stomach with a crowbar. Your nerves are causing the pain. Your heart feels as though it is trying to escape from your chest. Sweat and, in some cases, tears are falling down both sides of your face. If you attempt to jump into the maze immediately after you are confronted with it, you may just fall flat on your face. It is always a good idea to stop for a moment, find a quiet place (if you can), and perform those breathing exercises.



Rasheed Ahmed
Anderson & Anderson
Anger Management Services
Intern, Undergraduate Student
California State University, Los Angeles
http://www.andersonservices.com