The Constructive Use of Anger and Rage

Destructive Angry Energy Can Be Used for Positive Purposes

Aug 22, 2009

Anger is generally seen as a negative emotion. This does not have to be the case. Anger generates energy. Energy can be put to constructive use.

Anger can be terribly destructive. When rage is out of control, it is likely that not only things, but also people will be damaged. There's also the reputation of the angry person, whose public image can be adversely affected by angry outbursts. This type of damage is why it has become the social norm to stifle anger and to avoid expressing emotions of anger and rage.

Some control anger by dissipating its emotional effects through techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or even meditation. This does not always work, particularly if a person has a significant problem with anger. Anger cannot always be controlled or quietly dissipated. Sometimes it is better to find another alternative.

Constructive Rage

The physical manifestation of anger involves a release of adrenaline. Long ago, when humanity was young, dangers such as wild animals and tribal wars were still very much a reality. Like fear, anger had a very important part to play in survival. Anger releases adrenaline into the human system, which meant that ancient humanity became super-strong to lash out at wild animals or tribes threatening their safety and survival. A display of rage at the time was constructive; it promoted survival.

Today, most humans are no longer facing wild animals or tribes. In the corporate world, humans are facing things like hostile bosses and coworkers, traffic, the weather, and unruly teenagers. None of these anger triggers will respond very well to a physical display of rage. This is where anger becomes destructive. It no longer promotes survival.

To turn anger to constructive use, a different strategy is required. Consider, for example, the fact that anger means adrenaline, which translates into a boost of physical strength and energy. This energy can be focused away from the source of anger into more constructive activities like exercise.

Expending Angry Energy

So what to do with all that angry energy? The answer is anything that really requires, well, energy. Here are a few suggestions:

Any activity that requires physical energy offers a healthy alternative to lashing out at your superiors, friends, loved ones or anyone else who may be around when emotions of anger arise. Not only does it provide a healthy and constructive way to work off the adrenaline in your system, it also focuses attention away from the source of the anger. Distraction helps to eliminate the angry feelings and being calm allows for objective, rational thought about the situation.

Advantages of Constructive Anger

Chanelling your anger in constructive ways have several advantages. In addition to eliminating the destructive effects of your volatile emotion, it also has the advantage of getting things done fast and effectively. The energy generated by anger is enough to give you a clean house or car, a fit and healthy body, or a better relationship with the dog you now walk more regularly. You can use angry energy to get around to the things you never seem to find time for.

When tempted to lash out and destroy your relationships with your rage, take a moment to think about how your anger can help you. In the process, you will learn to manage both your anger and the things you never have time to do in a much more effective way. Eventually you may even realize that you are no longer the angry person you used to be, and you will have much closer relationships with the people who share your life and your world.

The copyright of the article The Constructive Use of Anger and Rage in Self-Awareness is owned by Cathi Bee. Permission to republish The Constructive Use of Anger and Rage in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.