Personality

The Downside of Anger

A strong emotion that is accompanied by arousal of the nervous system, anger produces effects throughout the body. But if you express it, you're not necessarily better off.
By Hara Estroff Marano, published on July 01, 2003 - last reviewed on April 13, 2007

Find a Therapist

Search for a mental health professional near you.

  • Make positive statements.

    Memorize a few positive statements to say to yourself when your anger is triggered. They will remind you that you can choose your behavior instead of reacting in a knee-jerk way. For example, you might say: "I can take care of my own needs" or "His needs are just as important as mine" or "I am able to make good choices."

    • Tags: anger, anger management, cardiovascular system, clear thinking, cultures, funny thing, good job, health, how to manage anger, hurtful words, intensity, irreversible damage, managing anger, negative emotion, refrain, self control, stress, sudden bursts, taboos, upshot, vicinity

    Current Issue

    Everyday Creativity

    How to start living creatively and reap the benefits.