Why you must express your anger

We often tag anger as an emotion we are better off without; we wear stones that suppress anger and read self-help books to avoid flary outbursts. But is it really an emotion that should be dealt with in such a way? May be not. Psychologists say that there are many benefits of expressing anger. It can help you avoid repressed emotions which take other forms such as binge eating or resentment, it alleviates uncertainty and can help avoid more aggressive situations which may arise if you suppress the powerful emotion. Here are seven reasons for never suppressing your anger as per psychologists.

Anger facilitates soul searching: After we have rid ourselves of anger, we are often in a soberer state of mind to reflect on our actions. A study conducted on Americans and Russians concluded that one third of those who expressed anger said that it helped them provide an insight into their own mistakes.

Anger can motivate: Anger is one of the most effective driving forces and hence, it can motivate you to achieve what you want or to drive others to achieve something. If you are angry at yourself for not being able to achieve something, your anger can drive you towards it. Similarly, you can be angry at someone and drive them to do what you would like them to do, for example, you can angry at your kids for not studying, being a coach, you can be angry at your team for underperforming and so on. But, in situations like these, anger should be used positively and to not yield anything selfish.

Anger can prevent violence: Though anger and violence are related to each other, if anger is expressed in time, it can stop violence from occuring. Violence is a more extreme or repressed form of anger not vent out. Also, if you express anger, the situation has better chances of getting controlled as the other person can help you douse it.

Anger wards off resentment: If you express your anger, you release pent up frustration within you. If anger is let to stay and not expressed, it can develop into resentment over a period of time. You can get bitter towards a person whose one habit irritated you but you never said it.

Anger can make you positive: Though this may seem farfetched at first, but think about it. If you are expressing your anger in time and letting everyone know about your likes and dislikes, your mind will stay at ease and so will you. This promotes optimism. Besides, a study conducted on Americans also proved the same. From a bunch of people, angrier lot was more positive when compared to the ones who were more fearful instead of angry.

Anger can save relationships: A lot of tomes, we do not express anger thinking that the other person will feel bad about the situation. But this self-sacrificing does more harm than good. Suppressed anger leads to annoyance and annoyance leads to bitterness. In no time, you will start behaving in a bitter way with your partner. Also, it will prevent any chance of finding a solution.

Expressing anger keeps you healthier: The catharsis of anger is a positive process for your body as it can rid you of multiple health problems that are related to anger. Anger is a toxin for your body and hence, when you release it, you make your body healthier. The risk of problems such as digestion related, heart related, headaches and skin related can be reduced simply by venting out your anger.

Source: The Times of India