Research indicates that anger may have long-term impacts on your body, even if it may feel like a fleeting emotion. There is a commonly held belief that a single minute of rage can impair your immunity for up to five hours. Experts concur that negative emotions like stress and rage can weaken your body’s defenses, even though scientific research hasn’t verified the precise figures.
Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released by your body when you’re irritated. These hormones prime your body for a “fight or flight” reaction, but they also weaken your defenses, which facilitates the spread of diseases and infections. Researchers studying the relationship between emotions and immunity, known as psychoneuroimmunology, have found that long-term stress and anger can raise inflammation, impede healing, and even increase the chance of developing chronic illnesses.
What is the solution, then? Managing anger is finding constructive ways to express it rather than ignoring it. If you’re feeling frustrated, experts suggest deep breathing, going for a little stroll, or using mindfulness exercises. Additionally, writing, meditation, and physical activity can assist manage stress.
Even though anger is a normal feeling, allowing it to consume you for too long might not be worth the health risks. You will be grateful to your immune system if you take a deep breath the next time anything gets you angry.
