Be Healthy in Mind: 3 Ways to Safely Let Go of Anger

Anger is an emotion that is usually regarded as negative in most societies. Grouped in with fear, anxiety and hatred, we are taught from a young age that anger is wrong. Temper tantrums in children are usually punished quickly, thus cementing in our developing minds that acting out our inner turmoil is sinful. This results in generation after generation of people who bottle up their stresses inside them. One needs to look no further than the increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, depression and violence to know where this philosophy gets us.

Anger is a natural reaction to stresses in our environment that we are not immediately able to remedy. Usually the causes are temporary, and in hindsight, rather silly. Others are more chronic, such as job- or family-related anger. These three techniques may help you to let go of your anger in a healthy way.

Compartmentalization Is Imperative

This is a quick fix for temporary relief from anger or worry, and should only be used until you can set aside time to deal with it in a more permanent way. Quite simply, visualize in your mind what’s making you angry. Accept that you don’t have time to deal with it right now and see yourself placing it in a drawer, a bubble, or any other container you prefer. Then visualize pushing it aside for later – Out of sight, out of mind. It may take a few tries until you are able to place it in the back of your mind.

Energetic Release Can Offer Tranquility

Like trying to dig your way of a hole, it’s also very difficult to think your way out of a trap your mind itself created for you. Anger is a build-up of energy that causes very real tension all over your body and releases stress hormones like cortisol, which is linked to countless health problems. To release that energy, you need to MOVE! Dance! Run! Lift weights! Go for a long walk! Anything that gets you out of your head and into the world is great, so long as it doesn’t harm yourself or others.

Meditation Is an Old Time Favorite

Meditation has been used for thousands of years as a helpful tool in releasing anger and other emotions. It is a word that is profoundly misunderstood in western society. Most think that meditation is some sort of mystical voodoo designed to let you communicate with spirits or attain some sort of higher consciousness. This isn’t the case at all. Basic meditation is, quite simply, time with yourself.

Find a quiet place, sit comfortably, lower your eyes, and breathe slowly and deeply. That’s it! Don’t think about anything. The increased oxygen and rhythmic breathing results in a more peaceful and rested state within your body and mind, and lowers stress hormone levels. Whether it’s 5 minutes a day or up to an hour, the benefits of just putting the world on pause and taking time to reset cannot be overstated.