Anger can be destructive. Not only does it feel pretty crappy, it’s terrible for your body in the long term. Anger is the “fight” in your “fight or flight” defence system, which activates your sympathetic nervous system when you feel under attack. When fight or flight is switched on, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, your heart pumps blood faster to carry oxygen to your extremities, blood is diverted away from your stomach and into your arms and legs to run from or fight danger and your immune system is suppressed. This is all okay if it only lasts a couple of minutes or hours. But if your fight and flight system is switched on for weeks, months or even years, it takes a toll on your body. You might get sick because of your suppressed immune system; your stomach’s organs (with less blood flow) and your heart (with the increased pressure of pumping more blood) may start to wear down, causing illness and heart problems. Then, of course, there’s the psychological impact of chronic anger, depression and anxiety, not to mention the devastating impact anger can have on relationships when not kept in check, or worse, when combined with alcohol. Not to mention the effect anger can have on society when expressed destructively through politics, war and religion.
The function of anger
So, why have anger at all if it’s so destructive? Originally, anger kept humans alive in the wild, motivating them to run from the lion or to fight danger. In modern society, it still plays this role. You don’t want to be casual about a car coming towards you at 60 kilometres an hour. You need a system that goes “Get off the road!”
This story is from the Issue 186 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 186 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Avoid the Beauty Hype
Save money, improve your health and contribute to environmental sustainability by creating your own beauty products at home.
Fill your life with delicious scents
Fill your garden with scents and enjoy the sense of tranquillity and quiet joy that comes with them.
Protein - the building blocks of beauty
Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb and organ meats such as pâté are all rich sources of high-quality protein.
Skincare that really cares
We put Sanctum's most popular products to the test and see why they're loved and adored by all.
Chelsea Pottenger - CARING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Chelsea Pottenger, a mother, ambassador, keynote speaker and the founder and director of EQ Minds, is dedicated to reshaping the corporate landscape of mental health.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues
Community-based prepping
Is the future going to look like it does at the present? Or might there be unexpected challenges? The answer is that challenges are likely and if not now, then soon. The real question becomes how we will respond to that disruption and achieve sustainable positive outcomes as a result.
Rest, roll and recover
Your body requires proper care and attention to function at its best. Just as you fuel your body with nutritious food, you must also provide it with adequate rest and recovery to maintain optimal health.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STILLNESS
In a busy world we say, \"Who has time for stillness?\" But the question should be: \"What are we really missing out on by not prioritising silent and soulful solitude?\"
Cucumbers
Cucumbers hydrate you and have potential antidiabetic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activity.