How do you manage your anger?

When anger and frustration get the best of you, how do you find your calm? While intense workouts might seem like a good way to vent, they don’t always alleviate the frustration.

Studies suggest that activities requiring physical exertion are less effective at reducing anger. Researchers analyzed 154 clinical trials, encompassing more than 10,000 participants, to determine how various activities impact anger levels. They categorized these activities based on whether they heightened or lowered emotional and physical arousal—essentially, whether they were stimulating or calming.

Calming activities, such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga, were found to be the most effective at easing feelings of anger, hostility, and aggression. Among these, meditation was the standout method. Surprisingly, some activities like jogging were associated with an increase in anger, providing an interesting twist for those who are not fans of cardio.

It's crucial to recognize that the activities helping you process anger mentally might not be the same ones that help you release it. If physical exercise helps you cope with anger, by all means, go for it. Just make sure you also engage in calming practices to prevent the anger from lingering and affecting you long-term.