In the Heat of Anger: What is Happening to Your Brain and Body?
What Anger Actually does?
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| SO WHILE ALL THIS IS GOING ON OUTSIDE, WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE BRAIN ? KEEP READING |
When we talk about anger, we are talking about a state of emotional stress. Anger can take away many things from you, and it can quickly escalate and become destructive. Uncontrollable anger often creates problems at home and in the workplace, and it can also have dangerous physical consequences.
Last night, I had dinner with my friend Susan and her boyfriend Charlie. I had never seen Susan like this before; she was so angry at Charlie. I told her, "If you do this, you will never convey to him what you want to say, and you both will end up building more negative energy towards each other, worsening your relationship." She stormed off, leaving me to take a taxi back home.
On my way back, another SUV driver started yelling at my taxi driver, even though the other guy was clearly in the wrong. My driver remained calm and polite, repeatedly saying sorry even though it wasn’t his fault. I asked him, “Why are you saying sorry?” He answered, “It doesn’t matter. That guy must be having a bad day or is frustrated. He can't even understand who is wrong and just wants to release his frustration. Maybe now he feels better.” Then he started laughing.
I was very impressed by this humble Chinese driver’s attitude. We need more people like him. This experience made me think about how important it is to know how to deal with destructive energy. In Eastern psychology, we call it "death energy." It's a concept that life skills gurus, masters, and monks have understood and managed for centuries, derived from ancient wisdom that we have known but often forgotten or ignored.
What Happens to Your Brain and Body During Anger?
So, it is very important to convert this negative energy to positive. To understand how to do that, let's first delve into what is really going on in the brain and body when anger is ignited.
The Amygdala: Definition and Function
The amygdala is an almond-shaped section of nervous tissue located in the temporal (side) lobe of the brain. It is part of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, survival instincts, and memory. When anger is triggered, the amygdala activates the stress response system known as the HPA Axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Glands).
The HPA Axis and Stress Response
The amygdala signals the hypothalamus, which releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones prepare your body for a fight-or-flight response but also put your body in a state of turmoil if activated too frequently.
The Impact of Anger
Psychological Impact
Anger can impair your judgment and cloud your thinking, making rational decision-making difficult. It heightens aggression, which can harm relationships and social interactions. For instance, Susan's angry outburst at Charlie didn’t resolve anything; it only built up more negative energy between them.
Physical Consequences
Persistent anger can lead to cardiovascular problems like hypertension, increased risk of heart disease, and strokes. Continuous exposure to stress hormones weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Anger can also cause stomach issues such as acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Managing Anger and Embracing Ancient Wisdom
The taxi driver's calm response to the angry SUV driver exemplifies how we can manage anger effectively. He understood that reacting with anger would not solve anything and chose to diffuse the situation with humility and laughter. This approach aligns with the teachings of Eastern psychology and ancient wisdom, which emphasize the importance of controlling destructive energy.
One key aspect of managing anger is recognizing its signs. When you feel anger rising, take a break and step away from the situation. Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your autonomic nervous system. Physical activity can also help reduce stress and anger. If anger continues to affect your life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist.
Conclusion
We need to change our view and attitude about mental health. To avoid violence, suicide, crime, and most human atrocities, we must understand and manage our emotions. We are human; we are emotional beings, and we need to start helping and hearing our fellow people. Understanding and managing anger is a critical step in this journey, and embracing the ancient wisdom of controlling destructive energy can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
If you want to learn more about what happens to your body and brain when stress hormones are activated and how they can change your system, read my next article.
