Control is one constant most people want to have in their lives. Whether it be control of their lives, their health, their happiness or their destiny. Most people want control in order to take charge of their future and their emotions, however, there is one emotion many people have no control of: anger.

Anger is a natural feeling but in most cases it’s an unwanted and irrational emotion. Anger is expressed in a wide range of intensities from mild irritation to frustration and rage. It can also be a reaction to a possible threat to yourself, your family, your loved ones or your property. Anger is a red flag that signifies there is something wrong or something is about to blow up.

According to medical professionals and psychologists, anger has 3 known components:

1. Physical reactions. This usually starts with a rush of adrenaline and other bodily responses such as an increased heartbeat, muscle tightening and increase in blood pressure. Most people call this the fight or flight response.
2. Cognitive aspect. This is how people perceive what it is that makes a person angry. One example of this aspect is thinking of something that has happened to you which you believe was unjust, unfair, wrong or undeserved. Obsessive thoughts about these kinds of experiences can lead to anger.
3. Expression of anger. There are different ways a person can express their anger. A person can look and sound angry, turn red-faced, shout, curse, walk away, slam doors or start a fight. For most people, anger is a negative energy that should take a back seat.

Relating To Your Emotions

Anger is an emotion. Anger can become your enemy when it comes to good health and overall wellbeing. It can also be your ally for self-healing and personal space. Negative emotions are any emotions you tend to ignore, repress or deny. Most experts say that anger has never hurt anyone but repressed anger can build up to a rage which can result in the destruction of oneself and other people. Positive emotions on the other hand, are any emotions that you feel, express and release. When you have the ability to express and respect your anger, you will be able to control and harness that power, helping you to make positive changes in your life.

Experts believe anger is a misunderstood and repressed emotion because most people have grown up thinking it is something that should not be shown. Understanding and controlling your anger (instead of letting it fester inside you) will help you harness your own willpower. Unlocking your willpower through anger will help you to take action and to be more disciplined. When you deal with your anger head on and in a responsible way, you will be able to quickly release it from your mind and heart. After all the negativities are thrown out of the window, all the positive energy that was trapped will turn into a constructive and positive force.

If you’re experiencing more anger than usual, here are six things to try:

1. Anger Can Be Used As a Motivating Force

As stated earlier, anger can be a positive energy and a very powerful motivating force if you know how to use it. Anger can push people toward their goals. If someone is doubting your ability, this is the best time to show them whatever the challenges, you will overcome them and come out a winner. Use anger as your driving force.

Image credit: pixgood.com

2. Use Anger for Success

The best revenge for anger is success which you have created and built yourself. If you’re stuck in a rut, use your anger to create something for yourself, start a new business or do something you’ve always wanted to do.

3. Use Anger to Be Optimistic

You may find it strange but happy people and angry people have something in common. These people tend to be more optimistic because they face their daily problems without fear. Many of them say problems are just hiccups in life which can be dealt with easily. Face them head on and punch life problems in the gut.

4. Turn Anger into Art

Artists and musicians know how to turn anger into something positive, energetic and explosive. Art needs energy and if your anger isn’t applied to something, it will turn into a blind rage. Art doesn’t just have to be painting or drawing, it can also be applied to music, poems, writing, woodwork, sculpture, car or motorcycle customisation. There are so many artists that have become really successful and famous because they have channelled anger into something creative and energetic. The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Specials and Nirvana are just some of the fine examples of artists who used anger as a driving force.

The Jam..nuff said. Image credit: http://www.theguardian.com/

5. Anger can also be Good for Relationships

Arguments and frustrations are all part of being in a relationship as long as there’s no physical violence involved. Anger is a natural reaction specifically when you feel you have been wronged by someone. Anger is a way to communicate the injustice you have experienced, but hiding anger in an intimate relationship can be detrimental. For example, if your partner has done something that made you angry and you hide it, your partner will not know they’ve done something wrong and will continue to do so. You will feel frustrated and then resentment will follow which will surely affect your relationship. Any justifiable expression of anger aimed at finding a solution will strengthen your relationship rather than hurt it.

6. Forgive Yourself and the Other Person

If you want to turn anger into positive energy you have to forgive yourself. You have to accept the fact that we as humans will make mistakes from time to time. To turn your anger into something positive is to take responsibility for the actions or the things you may have said and done. Forgiving another person is one of the most difficult steps in using your anger in a positive way. You also have to understand that just like you, other people make mistakes. If you hold a grudge against another person, it will use up all your energy and will create stress in your life. Negative energy will attract more negativities in your life and you don’t want that to happen. Forgiving doesn’t mean you have to like someone or be close friends, you’ve just unloaded the burden of what the other person did or said to you.

Make anger your fuel and motivation to do the things you want to achieve. Channel your anger into something worthwhile, positive and creative.

Featured Image Credit: Saurabh Vyas via Flikr

Originally published at xenlife.com.au on June 11, 2015.