Dial Back Your Anger and Live Longer
By Sandy Schroeder
Everybody gets angry sometimes, but some people deal with anger in an ongoing state. Most of us know someone who does this, or maybe we catch ourselves doing it occasionally.
What Can Happen
According to EasyHealthOptions.com, middle-aged women and men who tend to be angry a lot are at a greater risk of dying from heart disease. The Normative Aging study said people who cannot control anger are at a three times greater risk of having cardiovascular issues than other people.
What Happens to the Body
It turns out negative emotions can increase inflammation and there is a route through the vagus nerve, which provides a direct line of communication from the brain to the immune system.
On the positive side, the vagus nerve can modify the stress response and reduce blood pressure and the heart rate, which can reduce inflammation.
The trick is to learn how to keep emotions positive instead of negative, happy instead of angry.
Take a minute to think about your normal routines, both positive and negative. If more negatives come to mind, coupled with bursts of anger, it may be time to make an effort to rethink what you are doing and learn ways to offload anger.
Mindfulness meditation - Researchers say mindfulness meditation programs can be powerful enough to help people heal faster. Take a look at what's available and consider enrolling in one if you feel you could use the help.
Get moving every day - Running, jogging or brisk walking all work to let go of intense emotions. Biking or hiking work too. Pick something that you enjoy and then head on out whenever you feel anger or other negative emotions building.
Use your diet as support - Eat foods rich in natural nutrients that keep you satisfied and fueled with energy.
Do something fun - It's hard to stay angry when you are laughing with friends, watching a funny old movie, or enjoying a supper with your family. Keep adding the good stuff and deleting the negatives wherever you can.
Trace the anger sources - If you find you are angry a lot, you might consider what is triggering the anger. If it turns out to be the same toxic people or situations, take steps to avoid them. If frustration, financial difficulties, or other worries are fueling your anger, do what you can to resolve the problems and enjoy the peace of mind.
Whatever you do, don't just ignore the issue. When your health and happiness are at stake, it's worth the effort to solve the problem. Keep going until you find ways to resolve your anger and enjoy life more.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chula Vista, Calif.