ANger Management
Anger is a healthy, normal emotion that is neither good nor bad. It sends a message, just like any other emotion, informing you that a situation is upsetting, unjust, or dangerous. However, if your first reaction to anger is to explode, that message will never get across. While it’s natural to feel angry after being wronged or mistreated, anger becomes a problem when it’s expressed in a way that harms yourself or others.
Anger is linked to the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response, which prepares humans to fight. Fighting, on the other hand, does not always imply punching. It could compel communities to fight injustice by changing laws or enforcing new standards.
Of course, if anger is used too frequently or easily, it can damage relationships and physical health in the long run. Anger-induced stress hormones can damage neurons in areas of the brain associated with judgement and short-term memory, as well as weaken the immune system.
The Anger Experience
Everyone has experienced it. It’s the rage that rises when a driver is cut off on the highway or when an employee’s boss dismisses him. Anger and other negative emotions are difficult to control. However, releasing anger does not provide the catharsis that people seek; instead, it tends to feed on itself. Understanding anger—its origins, triggers, and consequences—and cultivating the ability to manage it may be the best way forward.
Effects of anger
Physical well-being
When you're constantly stressed and angry, you're more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
Mental well-being
Chronic anger saps mental energy and clouds your judgement, making it difficult to concentrate or enjoy life. Stress, depression, and other mental health issues can also result.
Career
Healthy debate, constructive criticism, and creative differences can all be beneficial. However, lash out will only alienate your coworkers, supervisors, or clients, as well as erode their respect.
Relationship
Anger can leave lasting scars on the people you care about and sabotage friendships and professional relationships. Anger that explodes makes it difficult for others to trust you, speak honestly, or feel safe around you—and it's especially harmful to children.
If you have a bad temper, you might feel helpless to control it. But, contrary to popular belief, you have more control over your anger than you think. You can learn to express your emotions without hurting others and keep your temper from hijacking your life by understanding the true causes of your anger and using these anger management tools.
How can anger management assist you?
Many people believe that anger management entails learning to control your emotions. However, it is not a healthy goal to never become angry. Regardless of how hard you try to keep it under control, anger will emerge. The true goal of anger management is to understand the message behind the emotion and express it in a healthy way without losing control, not to suppress it. You’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also be better able to meet your needs, manage conflict more effectively, and strengthen your relationships.
It takes time to practice to master the art of anger management, but the more you practice, the easier it will become. And the reward is enormous. Learning to manage your anger and express it effectively will help you improve your relationships, achieve your goals, and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.