are you stressed out due to the dog or is there another reason for the stress?
If it is the dog, and the dog is not doing as you want? The problem is you. Sign up for a dog training class and learn how to be a good dog owner. If you are not willing to take a class like that. Give up the dog and allow somebody else to care for it. It is an innocent animal, will love you to death if treated right.
However if the stress is due to other circumstances. You need to learn how to deal with your stress. Hitting, kicking, slapping or yelling is not the way to deal with. It seems that you have reached a point where you are aware of what you are doing is wrong which is the first step towards change.
To suggest a few things as what to do with stress is... take up a sport. Try Kick-Boxing, Tae-Bo, Pump... if that is not for you and you are seeking some more modest form of sports... try out Yoga, I do suggest Power-Yoga when it comes to the personality of wanting to hit, kick and lash out. Also, running, walking is good. Yet when it all comes down to it - BREATH!!!
Before reacting.... stop and breath. Take a deep breath... count to ten...
dont hit ur dog..... then you will be the abuser
I assume its you doing the kicking, why would you want to inflict harm on a defencless dog that is the cowards way ,when your life is bad you take control and change it, not injure any other creature who probably loves you a lot, if you dont want the dog take him to a shelter to go to someone who does.!