What is Anger?
Feeling anger is an emotion that is quite natural, and most people will become angry occasionally. Sometimes it is an unwanted emotion that interferes with their day. Anger evolved as a method of handling things that, we feel, are unjustly inflicted on us.
There are degrees of anger, and mild anger can be induced by tiredness or stress. Simple things like being deprived of food, sleep, sex, and shelter can provoke attacks of rage.
People have different thresholds to anger and experience anger at various levels. Some individuals become angry very quickly, and anger is a regular part of their life. Others rarely get angry, and when they do, it is quite mild.
The primary function of anger is as a way of handling a physical, verbal attack, or criticism. This responsive is a protective response.
When we are angry, we sometimes do uncharacteristic actions or say inappropriate things. These, in turn, creates anger in the other individual, thus making it impossible for dialogue to occur.
Anger can result in physical changes in our bodies. This can be the production of adrenaline, which is required to fight or run. It can also cause high blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. These are all detrimental to our health.
How Does Anger Affect Us?
Different people express anger in a variety of ways.
Tone of voice Staring Body language Trying to look bigger and more threatening Clenching of fists Frowning Displaced violence (e.g., hitting a wall).
Other people have developed the ability to suppress anger and internalizing it so that very little shows on the outside. However, even those who can internalize will still usually show something before the point of violence occurs.
Three Types of Anger.
Passive Aggression.
Some people hate to admit they are angry as they have a personality that dislikes confrontation. This is Passive Aggression. Passive Aggression is displayed by pretending everything is OK, becoming silent, or sulking.
Open Aggression.
Others have a different way of expressing their anger. They will lash out in rage with physical aggression, or issue a verbal assault. This open aggression will often damage others and frequently also destroy themselves. Open aggression is indicated by physical violence, bullying, and verbal attacks.
Assertive Anger.
The ideal way of dealing with anger is by retaining control, exhibiting confidence, and communication. Assertive anger can be a positive emotion and assistance in resolving conflicts. It can be presented through patient discussion and genuine interaction. Assertive Anger demonstrates a maturity of intent.
Can Anger Affect Your Health?
Anger is a potent emotion. If anger is not managed efficiently, it can damage both you and your loved ones. If anger is not controlled, it can be responsible for arguments fighting, domestic abuse, and self-harm.
How Anger Affects Your Body?
Anger will trigger a “fight or flight” response. This involves the body flooding the muscles with blood, which it had redirected from the gut to the muscles, to prepare us to fight or run. The adrenal gland also overdoses the body with a stress hormone called adrenaline and cortisol.
The body is getting us ready for conflict. Our bodies have not been designed to maintain high levels of adrenaline and Cortisol for extended periods of time.
Affects on our body include:
1. Heart rate increases, Blood pressure rises.
2. Respiration increases Body temperature rises Body perspires, Mind is sharpened.
3. Health Issues That Can Occur.
Unmanaged anger that continues for some time can cause a continued unleashing of hormones and prolonged stress, which can cause physical damage to the individual. Some examples of this harm are exhibited with headaches, digestive problems, insomnia, and increasing anxiety.
It can also cause depression, high blood pressure, skin problems, heart attack, and stroke.
Since we are looking at what is anger and the reasons for its formation?
We have to realize that these health issues are not expressions of normal levels of anger. They indicate individuals who have anger management problems.
Anger Management.
There are healthier ways of dealing with Anger. Sometimes we all feel angry about something. It is natural that we do. The trick is to handle or manage that anger when it does arrive. Looking at healthier ways to express and control anger, there are some techniques to use.
The first suggestion is to walk away from the situation that is making you angry. If you remain, then you will only get angrier, or you will do something you later regret. You can return to the situation more prepared. Do not feel that anger is abnormal or feel ashamed for feeling anger. By recognizing that you are angry, you are more able to deal with it.
First of all, you need to identify why you are angry. What is the cause of that anger?
Once you are clear about the cause of anger, you can rationally think of strategies to deal with the situation. As stated earlier, your muscles have been flooded with hormones, Adrenalin, and Cortisol, which your body has provided, so you can fight or run away.
Go for a run is an excellent way of using these hormones and bring your body back to some degree of normality. Talk to someone that you can confide in about how you are feeling.
Dealing with Arguments.
Once you have argued, it is very easy to do nothing and remain annoyed with the other person. If that person is an individual that you will come across often, then the ongoing tension will not be healthy or enjoyable, Ideally, you should talk to the other person and try to resolve the issue calmly. Only approach them if you can stay calm, and if the other party is showing no sign of calming down, then do not pursue it.
Final Words.
We have now looked at what is anger and the reasons for its formation. It is a natural response, but sometimes people have an abnormal response to it. Anger is something to be managed and controlled so that the unhealthy effects do not cause damage.
Also read the article: What Is Flirting and What Are Its Types?
