A seven-year old boy was sitting in front of the TV in the living room playing with some of his toys. The year was 1979. After a commercial break, the little guy got extremely excited. His ears were being filled with one of the most famous lines television history and he could hardly contain himself as he repeated the line:
"Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
The little guy, full of unbridled enthusiasm, put his best imitation angry face. Then he spun around to face the couch where his father was sitting and yelled, "Yeah, Dad! Don't make me angry! You wouldn't like me when I'm angry!"
His son's face was so twisted and contorted that the father burst into laughter. Thinking that his father needed to understand that he was serious, the little guy started tearing off the t-shirt he was wearing. The father sat there for a split second. He was stunned and his amusement turned into anger. "Boy! What in the world is wrong with you?!"
As the son's fiery play anger cooled off and turned into fear, he timidly replied, "I...I'm The Incredible Hulk, Dad."
"If you ever tear up your clothes like that again you're going to get an incredible butt-whuppin'!"
That was the day I decided to take the shirt ripping routine out my Incredible Hulk impersonation. Yup. That little guy was me.
When I was growing up, in my mind, getting angry always seemed to lead to one of two results. Either people thought that you were the cool, super-hero, tough guy (or woman) type that wasn't to be played with or they thought you were the overly sensitive, mindless buffoon moonlighting as a bully type.
Regardless of what people think, anger is one of the most dangerous forces in existence. Nations have gone to war, innocent people have been killed, and countless harsh words have been regretfully spoken because of unchecked anger.
Most people, t-shirt ripping Incredible Hulk fans included, understand that anger can wreak havoc in the outside world. Few individuals, however, are aware of the harmful impact that anger could have on the internal world. Without proper understanding and management, anger can be detrimental to your well-being.
But before we explore some of the negative effects of anger, know this: under normal circumstances anger is a vital tool for motivation.
When you get frustrated (a form of anger) because of a sub-par performance or lack of achievement, it's your frustration that can be the motivation to do better. If you feel as if you, a loved one, or something you value (such as your car, your pride, or a belief) is being threatened, then out comes The Incredible Hulk to warn the violator to back off or else.
Self-esteem and respect are also examples of intangible things people value that are often re-affirmed as a result of displaying anger.
All positive aspects of anger aside, when suppressed or overly expressed, anger can wreak havoc on your well being. Research shows that every time you get angry more epinephrine (adrenaline) is released and your blood pressure increases.
In the same way a raging river erodes its banks, high blood pressure could erode the walls of your arteries. What?! That is crazy.
Heart attacks are being linked with overly expressed anger and strokes are linked with suppressed anger. Many experts believe that the occurrence of strokes in women is higher because according to many cultures it isn't "lady-like"(whatever that means), for women to express their anger.
The findings of a review panel on coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary prone behavior showed that the impact of hostility (a state of mind in which angry thoughts and feelings are deemed necessary for protection from perceived threats) are just as bad as the effects of cigarette smoking, high serum cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Just to be clear, hostility is bad for your health.
Million-Dollar Question: How hostile are you?
In a study of 3,750 men, participants were asked to rate themselves on a scale of 1-5 in several categories. 1) Seldom get into arguments/Often get into arguments. 2) Not easily angered/Easily angered. 3)Not easily irritated/Easily irritated.
After reviewing the results, researchers concluded that the men who scored in the high hostility range (a score of 13-15) were almost three times more likely to show symptoms of cardiac problems than the men who scored in the low hostility range. According to similar studies, hostile people are more likely to overeat, smoke, and drink alcohol.
People are often surprised by some of the things that can feed anger.
For instance, do you drink coffee? Is there anyone in your family with asthma? Do you know any bodybuilders? Have any of your friends or someone you know been depressed lately? Are you still contemplating going on a diet?
Certain drugs such as caffeine, steroids for bodybuilding and other medications for asthma, antidepressants, and diet drugs can make a person more irritable and prone to getting angry.
The number one source of rage for many, is constantly having to deal with stupid people. Ha! You know...like idiot drivers. Everybody has to deal with stupid people or smart people doing stupid things. There isn't much I can say about that except don't let idiots mess with your health.
But if you want a few tips on effective anger and hostility management read my free ebook on anger, "Taming the Beast: 9 Keys for Mastering Your Anger".
In the mean time, if someone or something is driving you crazy, before you do your best Incredible Hulk impersonation remember the two lessons you learned today:
1. Anger can be bad for your health.
2. Don't rip up your t-shirt. You won't like your dad when he's angry!
"Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
The little guy, full of unbridled enthusiasm, put his best imitation angry face. Then he spun around to face the couch where his father was sitting and yelled, "Yeah, Dad! Don't make me angry! You wouldn't like me when I'm angry!"
His son's face was so twisted and contorted that the father burst into laughter. Thinking that his father needed to understand that he was serious, the little guy started tearing off the t-shirt he was wearing. The father sat there for a split second. He was stunned and his amusement turned into anger. "Boy! What in the world is wrong with you?!"
As the son's fiery play anger cooled off and turned into fear, he timidly replied, "I...I'm The Incredible Hulk, Dad."
"If you ever tear up your clothes like that again you're going to get an incredible butt-whuppin'!"
That was the day I decided to take the shirt ripping routine out my Incredible Hulk impersonation. Yup. That little guy was me.
When I was growing up, in my mind, getting angry always seemed to lead to one of two results. Either people thought that you were the cool, super-hero, tough guy (or woman) type that wasn't to be played with or they thought you were the overly sensitive, mindless buffoon moonlighting as a bully type.
Regardless of what people think, anger is one of the most dangerous forces in existence. Nations have gone to war, innocent people have been killed, and countless harsh words have been regretfully spoken because of unchecked anger.
Most people, t-shirt ripping Incredible Hulk fans included, understand that anger can wreak havoc in the outside world. Few individuals, however, are aware of the harmful impact that anger could have on the internal world. Without proper understanding and management, anger can be detrimental to your well-being.
But before we explore some of the negative effects of anger, know this: under normal circumstances anger is a vital tool for motivation.
When you get frustrated (a form of anger) because of a sub-par performance or lack of achievement, it's your frustration that can be the motivation to do better. If you feel as if you, a loved one, or something you value (such as your car, your pride, or a belief) is being threatened, then out comes The Incredible Hulk to warn the violator to back off or else.
Self-esteem and respect are also examples of intangible things people value that are often re-affirmed as a result of displaying anger.
All positive aspects of anger aside, when suppressed or overly expressed, anger can wreak havoc on your well being. Research shows that every time you get angry more epinephrine (adrenaline) is released and your blood pressure increases.
In the same way a raging river erodes its banks, high blood pressure could erode the walls of your arteries. What?! That is crazy.
Heart attacks are being linked with overly expressed anger and strokes are linked with suppressed anger. Many experts believe that the occurrence of strokes in women is higher because according to many cultures it isn't "lady-like"(whatever that means), for women to express their anger.
The findings of a review panel on coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary prone behavior showed that the impact of hostility (a state of mind in which angry thoughts and feelings are deemed necessary for protection from perceived threats) are just as bad as the effects of cigarette smoking, high serum cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Just to be clear, hostility is bad for your health.
Million-Dollar Question: How hostile are you?
In a study of 3,750 men, participants were asked to rate themselves on a scale of 1-5 in several categories. 1) Seldom get into arguments/Often get into arguments. 2) Not easily angered/Easily angered. 3)Not easily irritated/Easily irritated.
After reviewing the results, researchers concluded that the men who scored in the high hostility range (a score of 13-15) were almost three times more likely to show symptoms of cardiac problems than the men who scored in the low hostility range. According to similar studies, hostile people are more likely to overeat, smoke, and drink alcohol.
People are often surprised by some of the things that can feed anger.
For instance, do you drink coffee? Is there anyone in your family with asthma? Do you know any bodybuilders? Have any of your friends or someone you know been depressed lately? Are you still contemplating going on a diet?
Certain drugs such as caffeine, steroids for bodybuilding and other medications for asthma, antidepressants, and diet drugs can make a person more irritable and prone to getting angry.
The number one source of rage for many, is constantly having to deal with stupid people. Ha! You know...like idiot drivers. Everybody has to deal with stupid people or smart people doing stupid things. There isn't much I can say about that except don't let idiots mess with your health.
But if you want a few tips on effective anger and hostility management read my free ebook on anger, "Taming the Beast: 9 Keys for Mastering Your Anger".
In the mean time, if someone or something is driving you crazy, before you do your best Incredible Hulk impersonation remember the two lessons you learned today:
1. Anger can be bad for your health.
2. Don't rip up your t-shirt. You won't like your dad when he's angry!
About the Author:
Who else is looking for a fun, engaging and inspiring Education Speaker? Then visit his site to discover how Al Duncan, one the world's leading Education Speakers, can help. And be sure to check out his Million-Dollar Networking Questions.. This article, Anger And Your Health has free reprint rights.
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