A list of body organ changes
when we are angry When we are angry, the amygdala, the “emotional switch” in the brain, is triggered, transmitting signals to the hypothalamus and brainstem, and the hypothalamus triggers the excitement of the sympathetic nervous system. During this process, the secretion of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine increases. A series of changes in the whole body: 1. Vasoconstriction → increase in heart rate and blood pressure → heat in hands and feet → heart pounding; 2. Decrease in gastrointestinal blood flow → slow peristalsis → loss of appetite; 3. Increase in muscle blood flow → limbs become full Strength; 4. Oxygen consumption increases → breathing becomes short or deep → pupil dilation.
Just one or two moments of anger can have so many effects on the body, and if you get angry for a long time, it will cause damage to most organs and systems.
Circulatory system: prone to heart attacks – the contraction force of the heart is strengthened when angry, and the blood flow of the heart doubles compared to usual. A Harvard Medical School study found that those within 2 hours of an angry outburst had a higher risk of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Respiratory system: Impaired lung function – when angry, people’s breathing will become rapid or deep, and hyperventilation is prone to occur, and even respiratory alkalosis, chest tightness, numbness of the lips, and convulsions of the limbs will occur. For the elderly with lung insufficiency, anger can further reduce lung function.
Digestive system: Affect gastric acid secretion – Anger is a state of emotional stress, which will affect gastric acid secretion and increase the incidence of peptic ulcer. The loss of appetite caused by repeated anger may also change the regular eating habits, leading to chronic gastritis and other digestive tract diseases.
Endocrine system: hormone fluctuations – stress can cause a wide range of neuroendocrine changes, including changes in estrogen, progesterone, insulin, glucagon, etc. A survey in my country found that irritability is a potential risk of thyroid nodules; women are more likely to cause problems such as irregular menstruation, breast nodules, and ovarian cysts when they are under long-term anger or stress.
Immune system: Decreased immunity – In the state of anger, the secretion of cortisol in the human body increases, resulting in the decrease of immune cells closely related to tissue repair, which reduces the speed of skin healing. A Harvard University study found that just thinking about an angry experience can suppress immune system function for up to six hours.
How can we not get angry?
Scientists have found that 90% of diseases are related to emotions.
The truth is understood, but few people can be calm when they are angry. It is suggested that you can relieve negative emotions through the following points:
try to take a deep breath. When you are angry, your breathing becomes rapid, your heart beats faster, and you feel anxious. Conversely, slow, deep breathing can stimulate the activity of the parasympathetic nerves, causing the brain to release endorphins, a “decompression substance”, which is conducive to physical and mental relaxation and calms people down. You can slow down your breathing rate according to the rhythm of “exhale every two seconds, inhale every two seconds”.
Lower your voice. Psychologist Professor Olivia Uris put forward a calming rule: one is to lower the voice, the other is to slow down the speaking speed, and the third is to straighten the chest.
Express emotions through exercise. Proper exercise can stimulate the central nervous system to release endorphins and promote emotional peace. When you are in a bad mood, you can do high-intensity interval exercises, or you can choose yoga, stretching, running and other sports you like to vent. However, people whose blood pressure exceeds 160/100 mm Hg are not recommended to engage in strenuous exercise, and can take gentle activities such as walking.
Talk to a friend. Talking to relatives and friends about the difficulties you have encountered, or sorting out your emotions in writing, and venting your emotions through talking are also good ways to relieve bad emotions.
Divert attention. When you have negative emotions, don’t indulge in them, try to do other things, such as listening to music, exercising, reading, or participating in public welfare activities, to gain happiness and a sense of accomplishment from them.
Look at the problem from another angle. Psychologist Ellis put forward the “ABC theory of emotion”. He believes that it is precisely because of some irrational beliefs that we often have that cause us emotional distress. For the same half glass of water, some people feel lucky that there is at least half a glass of water to drink; some people feel very lost, how can they survive with only half a glass of water? The matter itself is objective and neutral, and its impact on us mainly depends on our attitude.
Finally, it is recommended to reduce the source of angry stress as much as possible, know what you are easily angry with, and don’t approach it easily.