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Anger Management...Or It Can Kill You.

Post by: Dr. Danielle Daniel in Brain Talks

Anger Management...Or It Can Kill You. 

How Anger Physically and Neurochemically Affects Our Heart

Did you know that anger is not a classified emotion, but rather a choice that each of us have in responding to an emotion? You read that right! Anger is a chosen way to express the emotions of frustration, annoyance, and suspicion. And unfortunately, it is a choice that has life threatening consequences.  To get a better idea of the science behind it, anger is an expression that possesses neurochemical components that lead to chemical responses within the body.  Those responses within the body have been shown to harden arteries, raise blood pressure, and increase the likelihood of heart attack. Anger increases epinephrine which causes blood vessels to constrict and stimulates the heart muscle. It also increases norepinephrine which disturbs platelets and red blood cells and damages endothelium lining of the heart and blood vessels.

To put it simply: Anger is damaging to your heart! So why do we choose to be angry?

The majority of people respond with anger in an effort to feel powerful, to feel in control, and to prove themselves. This choice made time and again often develops into long-term pessimism, cynicism, and depression. Those who often choose anger do so in response to mistrust either in themselves, close family and friends, or in response to a particular life event.  So how does one break free from the cycle of choosing anger? Well it’s not easy but it is a process that can save a life. The first step in treating anger is accepting the fact that it is truly a choice, with a decision that can be changed. You are not bound to anger. Forgiveness is the next step in treating anger. Learning to forgive oneself and others is not only liberating and freeing, it allows for a trusting heart and therefore combats anger. Beginning with self-forgiveness and moving outward to those who have caused hurt and pain is a great way to gradually let go. And lastly, self-worth is vital to ridding oneself of anger. Begin each day with a laugh by watching a funny video or simply pretending to laugh, and allow your mind and body to relax. The chemicals that are released from laughter are often enough to temporarily suppress feelings of anger and overtime, your body will be more likely to respond with humor rather than anger.

How can Essential Oils help in the process?

Essential oils are both anchoring and pattern interrupting when one experiences anger. They allow for a physical and neurochemical release which interrupts the feelings associated with anger such as frustration and annoyance. Some wonderful oils to use in response to anger are Spikenard, Clary Sage, Blue Tansy, Bergamot, Sandalwood, and Chamomile. Simply taking a bottle out and inhaling the aroma from the bottle is enough to break the pattern. Applying one or more oils on the bottoms of the feet or diffusing throughout the day is a proactive way of treating angry reactions.  Essential oils are a great tool, along with trust, forgiveness, and self worth, in choosing positive reactions and healing your heart. 
2 Mar 2018
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