This is what happens to the body when we get extremely angry

Anger can cause your muscles to tense, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, which is why people often feel stiff or clenched when furious

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | October 2, 2024 12:30 PM IST

3 min read

Let's find out how anger impacts our body (Source: Freepik)

There must be no retelling that anger is not good for the body. If experts are to go by, being angry not only makes the blood boil, but it may also impact physical and mental health. Addressing the same, Dr Robert G DeBease, shared on X, “It takes 7 hours for your cortisol levels to return to normal after an extreme bout of anger, leaving you with suppressed digestion, reduced brain function, detoxification, and thyroid dysfunction, as well as blood sugar dysregulation.”

Is it true? Let’s find out.

It is quite normal to experience anger after a stressful or frustrating event. “But being extremely angry not only harms your overall mood but also your physical health,” said Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

When you get extremely angry, your body triggers a “fight or flight” response, an ancient survival mechanism, said Dr Rahul Rai Kakkar, consultant, psychiatry and clinical psychology Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, adding that this response is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.

Blood sugar dysregulation can happen (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Here’s what happens

First, the brain detects a threat, and the amygdala signals the hypothalamus to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Dr Kakkar said these hormones increase the heart rate and blood pressure, pumping more blood to your muscles to prepare you for action. “Breathing becomes faster, delivering more oxygen to your body. Blood sugar levels also rise to provide a quick source of energy,” said Dr Kakkar.

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Anger can cause your muscles to tense, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, which is why people often feel stiff or clenched when furious. “Your digestion slows down, and you may even feel nauseous or get an upset stomach due to reduced blood flow to the digestive system,” said Dr Kakkar.

Prolonged, intense anger can be harmful. According to Dr Kakkar, over time, “frequent bouts of rage can increase the risk of heart disease, weaken the immune system, and contribute to anxiety or depression”. Dr Anand seconded Dr Kakkar and shared that anger can create feelings of frustration, irritation, guilt, agitation, sadness, anger, and overthinking.

“This can take a heavy toll on one’s mental health resulting in depression, stress, and anxiety. You may find it difficult to concentrate on a particular thing or think clearly. This is why it is crucial to manage your anger levels and stay calm amidst stressful situations,” said Dr Anand.

Learning to manage anger through techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness can help mitigate these physical effects, said Dr Kakkar.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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