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Anger affects your
health. People who
habitually yell and argue
create much unhappiness
and cause a lot of trouble. Such
behaviors also raise blood pressure,
trigger heart attacks, and contribute to
strokes, ulcers, and digestive problems.
And road rage—uncontrolled anger
while driving—can be deadly.
Besides, getting mad doesn’t
solve problems.
Here are some expert tips on how
to “simmer down”:
Be honest. If you have a problem
with anger, admit it. Someone else may
have “started it,” but that doesn’t
excuse your own bad behavior. Ask
yourself what mistake you are making.
When you’re driving, for example, do
you follow other cars too closely?
WORD SEARCH
EVERYDAY LIVING WORDS
Keep Your Cool!
Lesson 4
Work on it. Decide to change
your behavior, and then practice new
ways of behaving. Stop attracting
trouble by tailgating, for example.
Practice saying “Be my guest” if
another driver cuts you off or gives
you a rude gesture. Responding
quietly—instead of blowing your
top—alters your breathing pattern
and slows the damaging physical
effects of stress.
Distract yourself. Do you really
want to give other people the power
to make you upset? Try counting to
10 or taking deep breaths for a
minute or two.
Don’t set yourself up for anger.
Watch your intake of caffeine and
alcohol. Caffeine promotes anxiety
and irritability. Alcohol slows your
thinking and spurs you to act out.
1. What ten-letter noun in the reading names
the practice of driving too closely to the car
ahead of you? _______________________
2. What eight-letter noun in the reading names
a substance that stimulates the heart and
nervous system? _______________________
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UNIT 1
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