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Exercise as Anger Management
By Cindy | January 27, 2008
We used to have nice things.
This morning, I was downstairs working on a project and did not maintain “ears” on the little ones. I hear the dripping of water in the lower bathroom and immediately think, “Oh, no! A pipe has burst!” I run upstairs and the pipes are fine. Two toddlers, playing in a sink stuffed with baby wipes and creating a waterfall into the room is what I find.
I groan and speak a bit louder than normal (We don’t scream. I read Screamfree Parenting), “NOT AGAIN!!! OUT! NOW! What are you doing?! I told you the bathroom is off limits! We don’t play in the sink!”
What should I do when those great big eyes look up at me, “Mommy, I’m all wet! Look at the floor.” Large grins plastered on both of their cherubic faces! Argggghhh, they haven’t a clue that they’ve done something wrong.
Finding a balance between discipline, constant supervision and keeping a house in tack is a source of many frustrations. So where do I channel this pent up anger? I exercise.
- Leave the house and walk around the block, fast!
- Run. Pound the pavement and make the lungs burn.
- Beat a Punching Bag until the arms feel like their about to fall off!
- Kick the punching bag repeatedly.
How do you channel your anger?
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Topics: Cardiovascular Activities, Mom Stuff |
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If I could, in that situation (and I remember days like this!) I would go for a run.
If I was alone in the house with my two when they were too young to be left, I would give myself a time-out (and tell them I was doing this because I was just too mad) and go do some deep breathing and calm myself down in a quiet place.
Then of course you have to go back and clean up! Such fun. If they are old enough to help you clean it up, that tends to be very good. They honestly don;t relaize how much trouble it is for the parent to clean up, I think!
Take good care of yourself!
Well, to be honest..I’d yell. ..but that’s because I’d be all freaked about it leaking through to the lower level..which HAS happened..thanks to one curious little fella. When my little guy gets mad (and OH does he get MAD), we divert..he goes to his room or something to cool down and we discuss later. For myself, last week , I was soooooooooo mad about something. I went for a swim!!!(at the gym) Not always easy to just pick up and do..but it really was soothing and cleared my mind and pucked up my mood. Thanks for bringing this up..someething to ponder. Don’t get mad..get physical (active).
I haven’t had toddlers in the house for a long time, but I remember when I’d get angry I’d go on a cleaning spree. My house was immaculate back in those days. Today, I’m pretty sure I’d go the exercise route, too. I love the endorphins I get from a good exercise session and I do feel so much better when I am finished. Have a great week!
I tear my hair out or dig my nails in my palm to keep from screaming!
And then, I go to the kitchen and wash the life out of those dirty dishes!
Thank you for reminding me that it’s not just in our household!
It’s also worth asking how neat the house has to be.
Thanks for an excellent post.
Oh, some days I am SO GLAD I don’t have children!
Seriously, though Cindy, I think your approach is excellent. Lots of research has shown that, contrary to popular belief, venting your anger only makes it worse. Ever since we bought a Nintendo Wii, I’ve found the Wii boxing is a great anger and stress reliever, and a pretty good upper body workout to boot!
Oh, Evan, I like that. I think it’s going to be my new saying. My husband’s favorite is the “nice things,” but “how neat the house has to be!” Yep, I like it.
Hi Maria, We haven’t had much contact with the Nintendo Wii, but I see it becoming a part of our household as the little ones get to be 5 or 6. Maybe I’ll be able to channel a bit of their energy in one area of the house then!
So, maybe I shouldn’t read your blog–I don’t have kids so that is my solution.
When I lose my temper I also do something physical also, but just wondering if you have someone else to watch the kids when you get out or do they go with you?
I’d really like to have a punching bag, I think that’s a non-destructive way to get out anger. When I do my workouts though, that really helps, especially my cardio (on treadmill). Otherwise doing yard work or some other physical activity outside helps me a lot.