… feeling sick more often. In one study, Harvard University scientists found that in healthy people, simply recalling an angry experience from their past caused a six-hour dip in levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, the cells’ first line of defense against infection.
If you’re someone who’s habitually angry, protect your immune system by 1.) getting some rest. People who are angry often are associated with those who don’t get a fulfilling night sleep. And 2.) use coping strategies. “Assertive communication, effective problem solving, using humor, or restructuring your thoughts are good ways to turn that frown upside down.
4. Untimely Death
Anger can shorten your life. Is it really true that happy people live longer? “Stress is very tightly linked to general health. If you’re stressed and angry, you’ll shorten your lifespan,” says Fristad. A University of Michigan study done over a 17-year period found that couples who hold in their anger have a shorter life span than those who readily say when they’re mad.
If you’re not someone who’s comfortable showing negative emotions, then work with a therapist or practice on your own to be more expressive.
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Some ways that can help with anger are to ask yourself some questions:
1. “Will this really matter one year from now?”
2. “Have I tried getting my point across others ways first?”
3. “Why am I always feeling this way? Is it me?”
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4. “Who can I talk to about this?”
And just in case you’re still fuming, here are a few ways to ice down that fiery temper.
START THE COUNT DOWN IMMEDIATELY
Yes, you’ve heard it before and it sounds too easy to be effective but counting to ten can help give you time to get your thoughts in order and your emotions back in check. Resist the urge to simply number the righteous reasons for your anger. Concentrate on counting, giving a slight pause between each. If you are a praying person you may give yourself a ten word emergency prayer instead of using the numbers. Example: Lord (pause) help (pause) me (pause) to (pause) take (pause) control (pause) of (pause) myself (pause) right (pause) now.
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REFLECT BEFORE YOU REACT
There are almost always negative consequences when we react in anger. Are you sure you are anger at the right things or the right people? Re-trace your anger to ensure that you are making the most of your time. Maybe your anger is showing you that something needs to be done or you need to…
