What Happens to Your Body When Anger Becomes Excessive
Here are ways that anger can hurt our health:
- Increases Stress: When we’re angry, our bodies go into a “fight or flight” response, which increases our heart rate, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic anger can lead to prolonged stress, which can increase the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
- Weakens Immune System: Chronic anger and stress can also weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
- Affects Relationships: Uncontrolled anger can damage relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, leading to social isolation, loneliness, and feelings of frustration or helplessness.
- Impairs Decision Making: When we’re angry, our ability to think logically and make rational decisions is impaired, which can lead to poor choices, such as impulsive behavior, substance abuse, or risky behaviors.
- Can Lead to Physical Violence: Uncontrolled anger can escalate to physical violence, causing injuries, and long-term health consequences.
Manage anger in healthy ways by practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, exercising regularly, seeking support from a therapist or support group, and learning healthy communication and problem-solving skills.
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