Quotes About Anger To Help You Manage This Emotion In A Healthy Way
Virtually everyone experiences feelings of anger from time to time; it's a normal human emotion, and expressing it in healthy ways can be positive. If it’s not well-managed, however, it also has the potential to be destructive, creating issues in relationships, at work, or otherwise. Letting go of anger isn’t always easy, but discovering the right coping mechanisms can help. We’ll discuss techniques for doing this below. First, however, let’s learn a bit more about anger. Then, we’ll take a look at quotes about anger that have been said by various public figures over the years, which may offer you a new perspective on this common emotion.
What is anger?
Anger is an emotional reaction to perceived hurt, injustice, or provocation. While it’s natural, it can easily trigger irrational responses that cause us to lose control of our ability to think logically. One reason for this is that the human body has a built-in, physiological stress response to anger—similar to the way it handles fear. Instead of making us want to flee as we might when we're afraid, however, anger often drives us toward confrontation. With practice, it is possible to learn how to decide whether to let our emotions win in situations like this, or to let our prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for judgment and self-control—take over instead. According to the American Psychological Association, our reaction to anger is a learned response that we pick up through observing others. This means that with some effort, we may be able to shift the way we handle it.
Quotes on how uncontrolled anger can be harmful
There’s nothing wrong with feeling the emotion of anger, but how we handle it can make all the difference. The following quotes relate to the potential negative consequences of letting anger control you:
- "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger." –Buddha
- "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind." –Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "Anybody can become angry—that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." –Aristotle
- "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." –Buddha
- "Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." –Mark Twain
- "It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people—to focus your energies on answers, not excuses." –William Arthur Ward
- "When you hold on to anger and unforgiveness, you can't move forward." –Mary J. Blige
- "Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind." –Robert Green Ingersoll
- "The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present." –Barbara De Angelis
- "When you assume negative intent, you're angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, you will be amazed. Your emotional quotient goes up because you are no longer almost random in your response."–Indra Nooyi
- "How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it." –Marcus Aurelius
Quotes on other ways to handle anger
Letting yourself get carried away by a strong emotion like anger isn’t the only option when you experience a feeling like this. These inspirational quotes will remind you of the power of taking a different approach and the positive outcomes that can result from this. Take a look at these quotes that offer a glimpse into alternative perspectives and strategies:
- "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So, let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic. And we'll change the world." –Jack Layton
- "Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your consciousness. When you feel it coming, turn your focus to your breath." –Thich Nhat Hanh
- "The opposite of anger is not calmness, its empathy." –Mehmet Oz
- "Boredom, anger, sadness, or fear are not 'yours', not personal. They are conditions of the human mind. They come and go. Nothing that comes and goes is you." –Eckhart Tolle
- "Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness." –James Thurber
- "As far as having peace within myself, the one way I can do that is forgiving the people who have done wrong to me. It causes more stress to build up anger. Peace is more productive." –Rodney King
- "I realized that if my thoughts immediately affect my body, I should be careful about what I think. Now if I get angry, I ask myself why I feel that way. If I can find the source of my anger, I can turn that negative energy into something positive." –Yoko Ono
- "Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache, and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life." –Joan Lunden
Tips for managing anger in a healthy way
It will likely take some practice, but you can learn healthier ways to manage strong emotions like anger so that you’re less likely to create negative outcomes for yourself next time you feel this way. First, remember that suppressing your anger isn’t always the healthiest option. Finding a safe, constructive outlet for your extra energy can be a good alternative, such as physical exercise. One review of studies on the topic reports that findings suggest exercise can be an effective way to help individuals release feelings of anger. You might also consider taking up journaling, which can offer a healthy outlet for you to express your feelings and can provide you with the opportunity to more easily recognize anger triggers so you can avoid them or shift your response to them. Trying to apply some of these strategies when you start to feel angry during the day can help you better manage your feelings.
Another common piece of advice for managing feelings of anger is to stop when you recognize the feeling coming on, and then take a few deep breaths or even leave the triggering situation if possible to give yourself time and space to calm down. If you have trouble recognizing your emotions before it’s too late, you might consider developing a mindfulness practice. Returning to your breath and paying attention to the physical sensations of anger can help you recognize it earlier on, so you have time to take a step back. This strategy can help you learn to build a greater awareness of thoughts and feelings as they come over you, and research shows that mindfulness can have many other mental and physical health benefits as well.
How therapy can help
If you’re having trouble managing feelings of anger, you might consider seeking out the support of a therapist. They can work with you to analyze what makes you angry and uncover any potential root causes of your reactions. They can also help you learn how to manage this emotion in a healthier way.
A recent study suggests that just four weeks of therapy delivered via internet can help people with anger and aggression. If you’re having trouble locating a mental health provider in your area or don’t have time to travel to and from in-office appointments, online therapy may be a viable alternative for learning to handle feelings of anger. With a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can speak with via phone, video call, and/or online chat from the comfort of home to address the challenges you may be facing. For client reviews of BetterHelp counselors, see below.
Counselor reviews
“Kerline is so warm and kind, and a wonderful listener! She created a safe and open space where I could talk freely and without fear of judgment. Her weekly calls and exercises have given me the tools I need to cope with stress, anxiety, relationship issues and anger. The entire CBT process was very healing and I'm so grateful she led me through it. Her insights, knowledge and caring nature were so valuable, and I'd recommend her to anyone.”
“Working with Contrina is so helpful and she has been so understanding. I’m so glad I turned to her to help me with a problem that has been years in the making. She offers me the outside perspective I need to break out of a cycle of hurt and anger that is affecting me deeply. She is wise, authentic, relatable and unfailingly kind. She has challenged me and pushed my thinking. I’m grateful to work with her in such a unique and convenient way.”
Takeaway
Copying down some of the quotes posted here that resonated with you may provide inspiration later on healthier ways to manage feelings of anger. If you’re interested in getting professional support in this area, you might consider meeting with a qualified mental health professional.
What is a good quote for anger?
There are many anger quotes that may encapsulate angry people or anger in general. Here's a good quote about anger:
"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." - Mark Twain
This quote by Mark Twain highlights the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger and emphasizes the importance of finding healthy ways to manage and express this powerful emotion.
What is a quote about anger attitude?
A quote about anger and attitude is:
"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein
This quote reminds us that our attitude can significantly influence how we experience and express anger. By adopting a more positive and constructive attitude, we can transform our responses to anger and approach situations with greater resilience and humor.
What is a quote about patience over anger?
Here's a quote that emphasizes the value of patience over anger:
"In a moment of anger, think about the consequences of your actions. In a moment of patience, think about the consequences of your reactions." - Zig Ziglar
Another quote about showing patience over anger is: “The best fighter is never angry.” ― Lao Tzu
These quotes explain the truth in regards to acting in the moment while angry. Although expressing anger is beneficial, often it is better to save your best speech or argument for a time when you are feeling calm rather than to fight or be mad in the moment.
How do I embrace my anger?
Embracing and managing your anger in a healthy way is an important aspect of emotional well-being. Here are 10 ways to help you embrace your anger constructively:
- Acknowledge Your Anger: The first step is recognizing and acknowledging that you are feeling angry. Avoid denying or suppressing your anger, as this can lead to long-term emotional issues. Understand that anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences.
- Give Yourself Permission: Understand that it's okay to feel angry. Emotions are a natural part of being human, and anger can serve as a signal that something is bothering you. Allow yourself to feel and express your anger in a safe and appropriate manner.
- Identify Triggers: Try to pinpoint what triggered your anger. Is it a specific situation, person, or thought? Understanding your triggers can help you manage anger more effectively and address underlying issues.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises, can help you stay present in the moment and prevent anger from escalating. These practices can also provide clarity and perspective on the situation.
- Express Your Anger Assertively: Instead of suppressing or exploding with anger, practice assertive communication. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and needs clearly and respectfully. This allows you to communicate your anger without blame or aggression.
- Set Boundaries: Establishing boundaries can help prevent situations that trigger your anger. Clearly communicate your limits and expectations to others and assertively enforce them to safeguard your happiness.
- Seek Support: If you find it challenging to manage your anger on your own, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Professional help can provide you with effective coping strategies and techniques for managing anger. Anger may not be the only condition that you are managing in your life, a therapist may be able to help with other mental health needs as well.
- Channel Your Energy: Use the energy of anger in a positive way. Engage in physical activities like exercise or sports, creative pursuits, or volunteering to redirect and release your anger in a productive manner. Channeling your energy gives you the freedom to feel angry without the regret that comes with lashing out.
- Practice Self-Care: Ensure you are taking care of your physical and emotional well-being. Proper sleep, nutrition, and relaxation can help you manage your emotions more effectively.
- Learn From Your Anger: Reflect on your anger and the situations that trigger it. What can you learn about yourself, your needs, and your boundaries from your anger? Use anger as an opportunity for self-awareness and personal growth.
Should I express my anger?
Expressing your anger is generally a healthy practice. It's important to acknowledge and validate your emotions rather than keeping them bottled up, as suppressing anger can lead to negative physical and emotional consequences. However, the manner in which you express anger is crucial. Instead of reacting impulsively in the heat of the moment, it's beneficial to find the right time and place to address the issue calmly. Using "I" statements to communicate your feelings and needs is more constructive than aggressive language or blame. This is especially true for couples and is the reason that “not going to bed mad,” is a common expression.
If you find it challenging to express anger in a healthy manner, consider seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor who specializes in anger management to develop effective coping strategies. Expressing anger can be a catalyst for addressing issues, setting boundaries, and making positive changes in your life when done respectfully and assertively.
How can anger motivate you?
Anger can be motivating in several ways:
- Problem-Solving: When you're angry about a particular issue or problem, it can serve as a catalyst for finding solutions. Anger can prompt you to address the underlying causes of your frustration and take action to resolve the issue.
- Setting Boundaries: Anger can signal that your boundaries have been violated or that someone has crossed a line. It motivates you to assertively communicate your limits and expectations, helping you safeguard your well-being and personal space.
- Self-Advocacy: Anger can empower you to stand up for yourself and advocate for your needs and rights. It can motivate you to speak out against injustice or unfair treatment, both for yourself and on behalf of others.
- Change and Improvement: Anger can be a driving force for personal growth and positive change. It may inspire you to make improvements in your life, relationships, or behaviors to avoid repeating situations that trigger anger.
- Increased Awareness: Feeling anger can lead to increased self-awareness. It prompts you to examine your emotions, triggers, and reactions, fostering personal insight and growth.
- Energy and Focus: Anger can provide a surge of energy and focus. This heightened state of arousal can be channeled into productive activities such as problem-solving, creative work, or physical exercise.
- Defensive Instinct: In some situations, anger can activate a defensive instinct, motivating you to defend yourself or others from harm or danger.
What is the quote slow to anger?
One quote that may help you to remember to slow your anger is:
“Anger, resentment, and jealousy doesn't change the heart of others-- it only changes yours.” ― Shannon Alder,
This quote reminds us that we cannot change how others act through anger and that becoming angry generally impacts the person who is angry the most.
What is a famous quote about temper?
One quote about temper and controlling anger comes from Thich Nhat Hanh, “Anger is like a storm rising up from the bottom of your consciousness. When you feel it coming, turn your focus to your breath.”
Another quote about anger and temper is “Angry people are not always wise.” ― Jane Austen
This quote recognizes that often, angry people may feel justified when they lose their temper or swear and yell, however, being loud or angry doesn’t make them right.
What is anger by Aristotle quotes?
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, had several quotes related to anger and emotions. One of his notable quotes about anger can be found in his work "Rhetoric":
"Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy."
In this quote, Aristotle emphasizes the complexity of anger and the importance of exercising control and discernment when experiencing this powerful emotion. He suggests that anger should be directed toward the right circumstances and in a measured manner, highlighting the idea that anger can be constructive when channeled appropriately.
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