Anger is a healthy, normal emotion that every person experiences at one time. Anger can also be expressed from other emotions such as guilt, fear, sadness, and fear. Anger may be more common during times of stress than usual.
When anger becomes overwhelming, it can become a problem. People exercise to manage their frustrations and emotions.
Anger and its effects on the body
Anger is an emotion that can range in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury, according to researchers.
Constructive anger is an anger that helps you solve problems and has a protective component.
Destructive anger is anger used to justify or intensify anger.
Anger can be a good emotion but it can also cause damage to the body. Buddhists refer to anger (alongside greed and foolishness) as one of three poisons of mind.
Anger has been linked to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease by its effect on the sympathetic nervous systems. Anger, along with other negative emotions, has been shown to be a factor in bulimic behaviors. Anger has been linked to type 2 diabetes, and an increased chance of being involved in road accidents.
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Physical exercise has been shown to improve emotional resilience to acute stress.
Get out there and sweat it
Aerobic activity has been specifically identified by researchers as a method to reduce anger expression in children5 and adults6.1 You might be able to work out to calm your nerves. Exercises like running6 or rowing have been shown to reduce anger, depression, and anxiety.
It might be worth refocusing your attention. These workouts will help you focus on different movement challenges and redirect your attention away from anger.
Boxing
Boxing requires you to concentrate on certain punch and jab combinations. Boxing exercises engage the entire body, burn calories, and build strength, particularly in the upper body. Many gyms offer boxing classes and also have apps that you can use at home.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is another high-intensity exercise that requires concentration and focus. Jumping rope is a great exercise that will increase heart rate and help you burn calories quickly. You don’t need much equipment. A cheap rope can be purchased for as low as $15, or you can purchase a complete system (such CrossRope), which includes weighted ropes.
Circuit Training
Circuit workouts are great because they keep you moving. The circuit workout allows you to move quickly from one station to the next and to work different parts of your body for short periods of time. This makes it very easy to forget about any anger or frustrations.
Yoga
You might want to try different types of yoga if you are feeling angry.
- Hatha yoga is slower and gentler than other types of yoga.
- Vinyasa and power yoga are faster and provide a more intense workout.
- Bikram yoga can be practiced in a heated area, which can make it challenging to concentrate on certain postures during the 90-minute class.
Rage Yoga is a form of yoga that allows you to express your anger. Rage Yoga can be practiced in studios across the U.S. or Canada. You can also take a class online.
Tai Chi
Tai chi, a form of martial arts that originated in China is actually not aggressive. It is a series flowing movements and self-meditation. If you feel angry or upset, the slow pace of this movement can help you calm down and lower your heart rate.
There are many types of Tai Chi, but there are also online classes and apps for smartphones that can help you get started. You can also find classes in your area through the Tai Chi Foundation, which has many instructional videos.
Meditation
Meditation is not a workout. However, it is a great exercise in self-healing. It can help you focus attention and increase awareness to achieve mental clarity. Meditation has been shown to reduce aggression and stress in adults (10 and older),11 as well as those with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Meditation does not require you to take a class. However, you might want to read a book or look online to get started. Headspace, for example, offers online guidance and a smartphone app. Calm, another popular app, can help you with your practice. You can also download free apps such as MyLife and Smiling Mind to help you get started.
Hiking
It is a great way of releasing stress and anger by getting outside and exploring the rough terrain, whether it be deserts, mountains, or forests. Research has shown that nature exposure can have a positive effect on the body.
