Many of us know what it is like to be angry at a person and/or situation. Emotions are a part of being human but it is how you react to that situation that you can control. Anger is a response that can lead to health issues like cardiovascular disease when not dealt with properly. When you feel your rage starting to brew there are a few ways you can handle your anger.
Start by taking a deep breath. Anger triggers your fight-or-flight response, which can cause a physical reaction. We have all felt our heart rate increase while mad which can then elevate your blood pressure. You also tense up causing your muscles to engage. Count to 10 and take a couple deep breaths. This can help you relax your body and mind.
Brad Bushman, professor of communications at The Ohio State University says you should not vent your frustrations to others. He explains that venting can actually "feed the flame instead of dialing it down."
Try problem solving. Associate dean and professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Ryan Martin, says you should channel that energy to help you solve the problem that is making you angry.
Don't let your anger control you, control your anger.
The worst thing you can do when you are angry is, get physical. If you are always trying to blow off steam by replacing it with a high intensity physical activity, you are reinforcing this behavior. Breaking things, boxing and other physical activities like running gets your heart pumping and keeps your heart rate elevated. If you are looking to calm down or de-escalate a situation these options will not help you in the long run.
Simply ignoring your anger is not a healthy way to cope with your feelings. It doesn't make the feeling go away. Over time, the longer you go without managing your feelings, they can gain intensity according to David H. Rosmarin, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.
As tough as it might be, it’s better to deal with what’s upsetting you in the first place then resort to holding onto your anger.