The Gift of Anger + Ways to Tame It!
Like all emotions, anger is adaptive for us as humans. Anger protects us from being harmed or hurt. Anger is an avoidance emotion, typically we want to get away from someone that is angry or find a way to act and end our anger. Anger is often considered a secondary emotion because we experience another emotion first and then that emotion leads to anger. We are born hardwired to experience anger.
ANGER [annoyance, irritation, frustration, resentment, mad, hatred, rage] Protects us from being harmed or hurt. Motivates action. Gives us the energy needed to fight or flee.
It is normal to feel angry at times. It is not okay to cause others, ourselves, or property harm because we are angry. Here are several safe ways to deal with anger.
Anger Thermometer + Deep Breathing: Identify how “hot” your anger is between annoyance to rage, begin taking deep breathes and imagine your temperature dropping with each exhale.
Identify the Anger Trigger: What happened that lead to you feeling angry? What emotion is underneath the anger?
Safely Release: Draw a picture of what or who you’re upset about and then tear it up, crumble it, or destroy it in some way. Punch the air! Scream into a pillow. Do wall pushups.
Sit with Your Anger: Notice your anger and the body sensations that come with it. Try to relax and sit with it until it begins to shift.
Remember, emotions are energy in the body therefore they are always moving and shifting. Trust and know that this too will pass. As best as you can, allow and honor your emotions.
Emotions are adaptive, protective, and life-enhancing. Be curious and watch how your emotions change. If your emotions get overwhelming, please reach out, Coriander Living Collective is here to support you.
