Anger

 

It isn't always a bad thing!

It can motivate us into action, making changes for the greater good.

We should all be angry. Anger has a long history of bringing about positive change; but, in addition to being angry, I'm also hopeful. Because I believe deeply in the ability of human beings to make and remake themselves for the better.

- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The downside is when anger slips into rage. A certain amount of self-awareness can help keep from losing control. Anger is a very strong emotion. The loss of control leads to regrettable circumstance.

10 tips to tame your temper  (Mayo Clinic)

1. Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. 

2. Once you're calm, express your concerns

As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. 

3. Get some exercise

Physical activity can help reduce stress that can cause you to become angry. 

4. Take a timeout

Timeouts aren't just for kids. Give yourself short breaks during times of the day that tend to be stressful. 

5. Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. 

6. Stick with 'I' statements

Criticizing or placing blame might only increase tension. Instead, use "I" statements to describe the problem. 

7. Don't hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. 

8. Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Use humor to help you face what's making you angry and, possibly, any unrealistic expectations you have for how things should go. Avoid sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.

9. Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as "Take it easy." 

10. Know when to seek help

Learning to control anger can be a challenge at times. Seek help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you.

Anger Can Motivate

Those seeking justice can use anger to motivate change. A good example is the Civil Rights Movement.

7 Benefits of Being Really Mad (PsyBlog)

1. Being really mad is a motivating force

You sometimes hear people talking about using anger as a motivating force by ‘turning anger into positive energy’.

2. Really mad people are more optimistic

It may sound like an odd thing to say, but angry people have something in common with happy people. That’s because both tend to be more optimistic.

3. Anger can benefit relationships

Being really mad is a natural reaction to being wronged by someone else and it’s a way of communicating that sense of injustice.

4. Anger provides self-insight

Being really mad can also provide insight into ourselves, if we allow it.

5. Getting really mad reduces violence

Although anger often precedes physical violence, it can also be a way of reducing violence. That’s because being really mad is a very strong social signal that a situation needs to be resolved.

6. Anger as negotiation strategy

Being really mad can be a legitimate way to get what you want.

7. Angry music is calming

Extreme music — like punk, heavy metal, death metal, emo and screamo — can actually have a positive, calming effect on anger  (Sharman & Dingle, 2015).

Realizing the cause of your anger can transition to, "Something has to change."