Everyone has been angry at some point in their lives. Some more than others. Anger is a human emotion, but many times, it’s not even warranted. Most times, we allow our emotions to take over and influence our lives in negative ways. While there are numerous approaches to preventing anger, the most important aspect of minimizing it is to be constantly aware.

Over the years, I’ve had my own bouts with anger: Society, people and obstacles. Often times, it’s easier to express your frustration through anger, rather than to deal with it directly. Here are a few examples:

1. Road rage: Someone cuts you off. You can either yell obscenities to the top of your lungs, or think nothing of it at all. Besides, you’ll probably never see that person again, so why even bother?

2. Disagreements: You’re really passionate about something, be it your point of view or what you believe is right. Disagreements can sometimes boil over, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. You could either walk away or maintain a level head until the disagreement is dissolved.

3. Wrongdoings: You’re hurt and frustrated over something someone did to you. You know it’s wrong (and so do they). You can beat down walls and be angry for an eternity, or you could take the higher road and maintain your happiness.

The point here is that there are so many things which can lead to anger. The reality, too, is that anger robs us of our joy. Is the energy that’s required to sustain such anger worth it? Are the people who inspire this anger worth it? Not at all. Choose to be indifferent or neutral to matters which can ignite anger. You’ll feel much better knowing you did. I know I do.