Last updated: December 23rd, 2019 One of my biggest problems with ADHD has been the anger problems that come with the condition. ADHD and anger go together. And unfortunately, you usually aren’t even the one who gets the worst part of this “deal”. It’s actually the people closest to you who suffer the most.
But, as long as you’re willing to confront your anger, not all is lost. You can still make some big changes in your life to fix your personal problems, and start treating other people better immediately.
Here are 7 tips that you can use to eliminate many of your issues related to angry outbursts and impulsivity:
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Tip 1. Take it easy on stimulant ADHD medication
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking high-quality ADHD medication, you have to admit that using stimulants will make you at least a little bit edgy.
Are you taking too many stimulants? Is your ADHD medication causing you to treat family members poorly?
If so, then the responsible thing to do is fix the problem. Luckily, the solution to this problem is pretty simple, too.
Just take less of your current ADHD medication. Or, consider trying a new ADHD medication.
Tip 2. Make a conscious effort to control your emotions
It takes a great amount of discipline to control your emotions.
Especially with ADHD, it’s really easy to lose your cool and get angry about something really trivial.
But, if you want to actually get better, you have to make a conscious effort to control your emotions.
There’s so much that I could write about controlling emotions. But, I’ll just recommend one amazing book on the topic instead:
Gorilla Mindset: How to Control Your Thoughts and Emotions to Live Life on Your Terms (Amazon)
This book is an amazing resource for people with ADHD who need help managing emotions.
I keep the book on hand to read every few months, so that I remember to practice having good self-talk, great posture, and positive emotions (these things are all interconnected).
Tip 3. Practice the golden rule
I’m not a huge fan of cliches. But, “treat others how you want to be treated” is pretty much flawless.
You want to be treated like a king or queen, right?
Treat other people very well – and the universe will take care of you in return.
Tip 4. Try some quality supplements
If taking supplements helps you better manage your emotions like anger, then you should absolutely take advantage of the best ones available.
Here are a few supplements that I personally use and highly-recommend for anger issues that stem from ADHD:
Now Foods True Calm
True Focus (Amazon) (formerly True Calm) is a great supplement for chilling after a long day of frustrations in the workplace or elsewhere. It contains something called GABA, which acts on your neurotransmitters, and temporarily reduces feelings of anxiety.
Pure Encapsulations Emotional Wellness
Pure Encapsulations Emotional Wellness (Amazon) is a great supplement that can help you feel more calm and relaxed.
I usually take Emotional Wellness before doing any kind of boring, tedious work (so that I don’t get too frustrated).
NAC Sustain
I’m also a big fan of taking NAC Sustain (BulkSupplements) on days when I don’t take ADHD medication. NAC Sustain is essentially a large dose of an antioxidant that cleans up your liver, helps you breathe more easily, and reduces anxiety.
Tip 5. Start exercising five times a week (or as much as possible)
I’m not saying you have to get in the best shape of your life.
And I’m not telling you that you need to train like an athlete.
I’m just saying that you need to exercise as much as you can, if you actually want to release your energy in a healthy way.
Anger issues can flare up from having too much energy. So, you really need to exercise to get rid of your energy, and improve your health at the same time.
Exercising will help you release endorphins, kill stress, and feel more energized. It’ll change your life for the best.
Tip 6. Start eating healthy
A lot of people with ADHD still don’t realize how much of an impact food can have on anger and similar emotions.
When you eat unhealthy food, like lots of carbs and sugar, you’re more likely to feel bad.
But, when you eat clean food like brown rice, chicken, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, your body and brain will reward you with positive emotions.
You can check out my article on eating a clean ADHD diet to get the full scoop on how to eat really well with ADHD, and keep your raw emotions (like anger) in check.
Tip 7. Understand that anger isn’t always a bad thing
Anger is just an emotion. Feeling a range of emotions is a completely normal human experience to have. Feeling emotions is a good thing…
Yes, even emotions like anger.
Contrary to popular belief, anger is not a bad emotion to have.
You simply want to make sure that you’re redirecting your anger in a positive way.
Use your anger as fuel to exercise, work, accomplish goals, and move forward.
Take advantage of your anger by learning how to make the most of it.
ADHD and Anger Conclusion
I’ve always had a short temper. So, it took me a long time to realize that ADHD and anger are often “interconnected”.
It also took me a long time to realize that I can control my anger.
And best of all, you can control your anger too…
By making the conscious decision to take control of your anger, and redirect emotions like anger in a positive way, you can turn your entire life around in just a matter of weeks.
You can start by making a simple choice.
You just have to admit that ADHD and anger is a problem that you face, and then decide to take the proper steps to change your life.
All of the tools are right in front of you. You can take the first step today.
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