Most people associate anger with negativity — and given the word’s traditional usage, that association makes sense. As defined by the Oxford English dictionary, anger is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Despite that gloomy interpretation, some anger can, in fact, be good for you.
How good anger impacts you
Good anger, also called “euanger” by psychologists, is the type of anger you feel when you’re excited. You might experience this kind of anger as you ride a roller coaster, or as you prepare to exchange vows with your spouse during your wedding. You also experience euanger when you’re trying to complete a project or meet a deadline. These events might even trigger your palms to sweat, your pulse to quicken, or “butterflies” to flutter in your stomach.
When your body responds to different angerors, your adrenal glands produce hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline. As a result, you may experience what’s commonly known as an “adrenaline rush” during times of excitement or exhilaration. As long as the effects aren’t long-lasting, a shot of adrenaline allows you to swiftly respond to good anger, so you can perform at your peak.
During this state of heightened performance, anger actually works for you rather than against you. Certain physical functions and senses become enhancedto ensure you’re able to respond to whatever challenge is at hand quickly and effectively. A sudden burst of adrenaline will improve your vision, for example, by causing your pupils to dilate and let in more light. It can also make you breathe easier, as adrenaline tells certain muscles, including the bronchioles in the lungs, to relax.
Good anger works wonders for your immune system, as well. While chronic anger depletes your energy, research shows that euanger-induced adrenaline can have the opposite effect. In small doses, this effect can improve your ability to fight off infection, at least temporarily.
The negative effects of bad anger
While some anger works to motivate you in the moment, other forms of anger, like chronic anger, which reoccurs on a frequent basis, can cause a litany of complications or other conditions. If you are constantly angered out, you run the risk of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. Physical problems associated with negative anger include cardiovascular illness, heart disease or high blood pressure, obesity and other eating disorders, skin and hair irregularities, menstrual problems, and gastrointestinal irritation.
The bottom line
In the end, good anger enables you to perform daunting tasks when necessary. Any side effects of euanger and the ensuing adrenaline rush that typically accompanies this phenomenon are not harmful, nor are they long-lasting.
To be sure your mental state doesn’t suffer due to anger, remain attuned to changes in your mood, and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if the anger you experience begins to cause serious physical symptoms, like sleeplessness or migraines. By observing your behavior and managing anger properly, you can learn to deal with negative anger, and also to take advantage of the boost good anger can provide your body and your mind.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this web site is for general information purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or health care provider on any matters relating to your health.
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