Aromatherapy – As many of us are aware, some smells are pleasing, others are extremely offensive. Studies have shown that specific aromas assist in the reduction of stress, which in turn, assists in the reduction of bouts of anger. Essential Oils, such as Lavender, work exceptionally well in this regard. For more information on Essential Oils, in particular, read more here. Another ‘aromatherapy’ source is the Bach Flower Remedies, which are advocated and raved about by many who swear to their efficacy. Some of the remedies which can be used for anger are Holly, Impatiens, Larch, Pine, Rock Rose, Rock Water, Vine, and as a last resort (or just as a combination/ emergent resource) Rescue Remedy.
 

Astrology – Understanding ourselves better helps to clarify issues that can cause anger. Astrology is an excellent tool for uncovering who we really are and how and why we tick as we do. While just knowing that our Mars is square our Pluto isn’t necessarily going to make us happy, it often helps to make us aware of our tendencies, and those of our significant others, family members and friends, and helps us to be better informed of personal astrological transits and the best times to give each other some space.
 

Bubble baths, soaking – Taking a bubble bath, or even soaking in a Jacuzzi or just a tub full of hot water is certainly one of the more simple forms of stress relief. However, it can be extremely beneficial. Spice up your bath water with lavender, rose or jasmine bath salts or oils, or Epsom salts, orange, lemon balm or Ylang Ylang for you gentlemen who don’t care for the ‘girly’ smell. Read more here. Soaking helps to relieve the tension that contributes to anger, and thus helps to reduce the anger altogether.
 

Candle burning – Whether used in elaborate rituals, to scent the air, or as an additional stress buster to accompany your bubble bath or bath time, candles are a great addition to your stress arsenal. The flickering motion of the flame can have an almost hypnotic affect, as well as facilitate meditation.

Consciousness Elevation – There are certainly many ways to elevate one’s consciousness. But one of the most effective ways I’ve experienced, is to join with the Consciousness of others in bringing peace, love and compassion to our ailing planet. As with volunteering, when we focus on helping others, we generally have little time to feel anger. Some of the best consciousness-elevating sites, in my opinion, include:

Deep breathing – When we’re stressed or angry, we tend to take short, shallow breaths, thereby reducing the intake of oxygen which can have various detrimental effects. Relax and breathe deeply. By using the Buddhist meditation technique of focusing on one’s breath, the attention is taken off of the anger, and placed on breathing.
 

Empathize – Put yourself in the other person’s place. How do you think you would feel if you looked at life through their eyes? Empathizing facilitates understanding, and thus serves to reduce the anger we feel which is generally brought on by our belief that we are entitled to have things our way at the expense of another. Opening our minds and our hearts in making an effort to understand how another might be feeling, opens the way for positive dialogue and eradication of the anger.
 

Exercise – As with hiking/walking and sports, general forms of exercise can assist in the release of toxins that build due to anger. Make sure to drink lots of water to flush out the toxins and cool down your body after a vigorous workout.

Hiking/walking – Although walking and hiking are both forms of exercise, I’ve separated them out because, for me, they actually are a pleasure. Hiking requires lots of stamina and is an excellent way to drain tension and anger from the body and mind. While even a leisurely stroll in the woods, along the beach or up in the mountains helps just by your being out in nature, the act of moving your body also helps to alleviate the toxins built up by negative feelings.
 

Journaling/writing – For those of you who have a difficult time talking, this is a perfect way of getting out your frustrations, and thus reducing your anger. Another benefit to journaling, is that you can voice your opinions and feelings on paper (or in a computer journal), without spewing all that toxic verbal waste material onto someone else. Writing also gives you the chance to think about what’s really making you angry before you open your mouth. As most of us are aware, often, when we’re angry, we speak before we think, instead of the other way around. So, before you speak – WRITE IT DOWN! Once you journal, you may find that you no longer have the need to voice, what could be, a hurtful opinion.
 

Meditation – not only has meditation been shown to be successful at reducing stress and anger, but it also slows down the aging process. This leads to another question: does anger cause us to age more quickly? Whether or not this is truly the case, it’s worth taking into consideration. Because, certainly, being angry can cause health issues, if not facilitate our growing old before our time.
 

Music - Ah, yes, one of my very favorite forms of stress reduction. The trick here, however, is to not only choose music that you like, but music that actually reduces agitation. As much as I love Rock ‘N Roll, there aren’t too many rock songs that are conducive to relaxation (well, maybe Stairway to Heaven ☺). Usually, the best forms of music for the purpose of reducing anger, are Classical (especially Mozart and Brahms), so-called ‘New Age’ (Steven Halpern, Enya, Vangelis, Kitaro, Bradfield, et al), Native American (Carlos Nakai, Robert Mirabal), Tibetan bells and flute, ambient and World Music. There is definitely some truth in the saying that ‘music soothes the savage beast.’ I, being a septuple Leo can attest to its efficacious effects!
 

Releasing Rituals – Light a candle or two, some ‘Love’ and/or spell casting incense (to reduce negativity and anger ONLY) and smudge with Sage to clear the air of negativity and release the anger. Performing these rituals does not make one a witch (unless, of course, you wish to see yourself as such), nor are they superstitious and only for the ignorant or unenlightened. Especially where writing your ‘wish’ or requirement down on a piece of paper or parchment is concerned, the idea is to ‘physically’ manifest your request or desire, thereby crystallizing it or making it real. The act of burning the paper, throwing the stone (which has symbolically absorbed all the negativity or anger) into a body of water, etc., is a psychological mechanism more than anything. And yet it works surprisingly well.
 

Spirituality – Not to be confused with religion, Spirituality entails getting directly in touch with whatever Source you feel most drawn to, and which provides the most strength. It is NOT about separatism, dogma or feeling superior to another because one believes their ‘road to salvation’ is the only one. It IS about love, compassion and peace and your individual connection with the All That Is, The Source, the Prime Creator, God/dess or even your Higher Self, if you are so inclined. Seeing us all as One and part of that same Source, generally makes it difficult to remain angry for long. As an example, the following sites are full of excellent Spiritual information:

Sports – Especially for those with lots of fire in their charts, sports is an excellent outlet for de-stressing and anger release. Two cautions, however: if you’re prone to violence, oftentimes it is best to engage in a solo sport, such as running, climbing, kayaking or another sport which doesn’t require a team mate, as the aggression might be released at the expense of your team mate! This may be particularly true when engaging in such sports as boxing (unless ‘sparring’ with a punching bag), wrestling, kickboxing, or the majority of the martial arts, although Tai Chi is an excellent choice for alleviating anger.
 

Volunteer work/helping others – Sometimes just focusing on someone other than ourselves can direct attention away from issues that are causing us to feel anger. Donate your time and expertise to the cause of your choice. Some of my favorites are Special Olympics and various Down Syndrome organizations. Others include organizations for the Homeless, Troubled Teens, Big Brother/Big Sister programs, Meals on Wheels, Grandmother/Grandfather assistance, AIDS volunteers and many more. Actually, this is not just a way to alleviate or reroute anger, but a great source of joy, tending to cause an almost alchemical emotional transformation.
 

Yoga – Whatever form of Yoga you choose to practice – Bikram, Hatha, Kundalini, et al – research indicates that Yoga is extremely beneficial for most people. It helps relieve depression, reduce stress and anger, facilitates weight loss, helps you sleep, slows the aging process and generally promotes an overall sense of well-being.