Harnessing the Power of Anger -

Harnessing the Power of Anger

Anger is often perceived as a negative emotion, and in that it becomes the most misunderstood one, as we tend to look at anger as awful, aggressive, and explosive. We often associate it with being out of control and seething with violence.

It is such an uncomfortable sentiment and highly stigmatized that we haven’t developed enough tools to manage it by ourselves.

When we are angry our bodies give us some signals like headache, hot flashes, hyperventilation, feeling fidgety, racing heartbeat are some of the physical reactions that happen in our bodies. The discomfits that anger arises in us do not help remove the negative label, but emphasize it instead.

Two Common Ways We Handle Anger

When we are angry, we react in two ways to face it-

We are hijacked by it – we let it drive us, respond aggressively, and must bear unwanted consequences
Brush it way without addressing it – we bury it down in psyche and let it exhibit into different emotional/psychological problems and physical illnesses

What happens in each of these situations is worth an examination

When Hijacked by Anger

Violent anger can lead to impulsive behaviors, saying the wrong things, or taking actions we regret later. It can ruin relationships, cause unnecessary brawls, and much worse. When we let this emotion hijack, us, our attention becomes constricted, and we lose objectivity. This causes interference and hampers open-minded thinking, imperative to find creative solutions.

Anger is very energy-intensive.

You can’t sustain such anger for more than a few minutes before you start to feel completely depleted. Additionally, we lose rationality and kindness, eventually ending up in embarrassment especially if misdirected, it inflames a part of us while deteriorating healthy attitude, it isolates us, which is an extremely heavy price to pay!

When Anger goes Unexpressed or is Buried

Buried anger manifests into many physical symptoms. You open an invitation to the below medical conditions

Chronic headache
Digestion problems such as abdominal pain.
insomnia
Increased anxiety
Depression
High blood pressure
certain skin problems
Heart attack
Hypertension

The Raw Power of Anger

The focus has been on the detriments of anger, but if we contemplate deeper, it is an instant power source.

Anger is like a fire you don’t want to let loose, but cannot capture it
It is one of the strongest emotions which we experience, and it provides us with motivation power push and drive to deal with the situation
The outcome of anger is not passive, often it results in us taking an action in response to this emotion
Anger evokes our passionate side much more easily than any other emotion
Anger at its worst can be extremely destructive and troublesome
It becomes a big hindrance in thinking straight and taking decisions sensibly
Anger helps us handle emergency situations by providing a quick burst of energy and strength, so that we react to the threats of danger
Anger pushes us to reach goals by creating motivation through frustration

Positive Sides of Anger

While anger can be fiery and violent on one hand, it can very productive and effective on the other. It can be used as an asset, a creative tool. Anger at its best can be a huge motivation and drive for success, and its power can be harnessed into some positive outcomes.

If we did not feel angry, social change would not take place. Nobody would stand up for injustices and call for a change.
Unleashing the energy of anger can help complete projects as it can inspire a passion with a thrust.
Anger towards yourself on procrastinating a health regimen can work as a motivating force to run that extra mile. This force of anger can force you out of laziness and create new goals.
Have you seen an angry coach turn his underperforming team around and swirl the team to a win? That is positive anger, which motivated the team towards fortitude, dedication, and resolve.