Anger  


Problem
Anger is an emotion, and thus, by definition, it is beyond our conscious reason, at least in the moment we experience it. Emotions have traditionally been considered reflective or involuntary experiences rather than willful acts. We do not simply 'choose' to be angry, happy, or sad; rather, emotions choose us. Likewise, emotions are feelings, so they reflect a change in both our biological and psychological state.

Cause
Biologically, anger is defined as a stress response of the human nervous system to internal or external demands, threats, and pressures. When we are faced with a threat to our survival, our nervous system instantly and automatically prepares us to meet that threat by raising out defenses. The defense response is triggered by the release of the hormone adrenaline, secreted by the adrenal gland, which is attached to the kidney. Adrenaline causes pupil dilatation, rapid heartbeat, rising blood pressure, and rapid breathing.
From a psychological perspective, two factors make anger unique. First, anger is a response to a perceived misdeed, usually on the part of others. You feel angry because you believe that you have been wronged. Second, and more important, anger involves an attribution of blame in connection with that perceived misdeed. You may feel tense or anxious if you are biologically but not psychologically aroused by a particular situation or encounter, but you are not likely to experience anger.


How Serious
When we become angry, we are both mentally and physically stimulated. The 'mental' component of anger or any other emotion involves a psychological matrix of thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and values that make each of us a unique personality. The 'physical' component directly relates to a change in our biological state- increased heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature-which differs in intensity and volatility from one person to the next.

Solutions
Music can soothe the savage breast, try to listen to relaxing music at least 20-30 mins when you are feeling angry. ---Steven Halpern, Ph.D., composer, researcher and author of Sound Health; The Music and Sounds That Makes Us Whole.

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