Beyond the Markets
Erasmus+ Diaries: Controlling Anger Before It Controls You
Hey folks,
This time, I stepped away from stock charts and earnings reports to dive into something different—anger management. Through an Erasmus+ project titled “Control YOUR Anger Before It Controls You”, in Vilnius, Lithuania. I spent a week exploring the psychology of anger, understanding European cultures, and even meeting Ukrainian war survivors.
Here’s what I took away from the experience 👇
🧠 The Science of Anger – Why Do We Get Mad?
Ever wondered why some people snap at the smallest things while others stay calm under pressure? Turns out, anger is rarely about the moment itself—it often has deeper roots like stress, unmet expectations, or past experiences.
💡 Key takeaway: The first step in controlling anger is understanding why it happens in the first place. It’s not just about “calming down” but addressing the root cause.
🇪🇺 Cultural Exchange – More Than Just Food & Dance
One of the best parts of Erasmus+ projects is meeting people from different European countries. I got a taste (literally) of their food, traditional dances, and languages.
🔥 Lithuania & Its History: Since I’m based in Vilnius, this was a great opportunity to learn more about Lithuania’s historical struggles, resilience, and how it shaped its people.
🎗️ Meeting Ukrainian War Survivors – Anger in Crisis Situations
A particularly emotional part of the program was interacting with Ukrainian war survivors. Their stories were heartbreaking yet inspiring. Many of them have seen the worst of humanity but are still finding ways to cope with their anger, grief, and loss.
👀 Key insight: Some turn to journaling, others find therapy helpful, and many rely on community and resilience. But the most common coping mechanism? Shifting focus toward rebuilding, rather than dwelling on destruction.
📝 Journaling – More Powerful Than I Thought
I’ve always underestimated journaling, but this trip changed my perspective. Writing things down isn’t just about recording thoughts—it helps you process emotions, reflect on triggers, and track progress.
🖊️ What I’m doing differently: I’ve started jotting down situations that frustrate me and why. Just writing it out often makes the anger feel less overwhelming.
🧘 Meditation – A Newfound Habit?
I’ve always been curious about meditation, but after this program, I’m even more inclined to make it part of my routine.
Why? Because anger is often about losing control, and meditation helps you regain it. It’s like a workout for your mind—training it to stay calm instead of reacting impulsively.
🚀 Final Thoughts
This Erasmus+ project wasn’t just a learning opportunity—it was a perspective shift. I came in expecting to learn about anger management techniques, but I walked away with so much more:
✅ Cultural awareness from different European countries
✅ Deeper understanding of anger and its root causes
✅ Emotional insights from Ukrainian war survivors
✅ Practical tools like journaling & meditation to manage emotions
It’s funny—people always say “control your anger,” but no one really teaches you how. This experience gave me a real roadmap for it.
Would love to hear—what’s your go-to method for dealing with anger? Let’s talk in the comments!
Till next time