What Does Angry Body Language Look Like?

Anger is a universal emotion experienced by many. As an emotion, it can be a healthy and normal response to stimuli. However, behaviors driven by anger may be unhealthy if not managed. Understanding what angry body language can look like may help you avoid anger-driven behaviors that harm yourself or others. You may also learn how to avoid situations that could be potentially dangerous.

Reviewing angry body language

Regarding the expression of anger, body language may be a telltale sign. A person feeling angry or trying to conceal their anger might engage in at least one of the following displays of body language.

Facial tension

Tension within a person’s face is often an obvious sign of anger or displeasure. Many people trying to control their feelings of anger may be able to conceal other types of body language, but facial tension could show their displeasure. 

A clenched jaw, intense eye contact, furrowed brows, and reddened skin are facial signs of anger. You might notice these signs when someone is unable to express anger through gestures or words. When someone’s expressions of anger are limited to their facial expressions, they may be mildly annoyed or trying to contain their emotions. 

Posture

An individual’s posture may indicate anger. An openly angry person may clench their fists, position themselves in a threatening way, or breathe heavily. Finger pointing, accompanied by yelling or a raised voice, may also indicate anger. An angry person may also lash out physically by throwing objects, hitting items, or attacking others.

Torso tension

When someone is angry, their body could tense up, particularly in the torso region. This reaction may occur instinctively to shield vital organs from harm. A person who is feeling angry may clench their stomach muscles or their chest. This tension could increase the blood flow in the body, allowing a person to fight or flee if required. 

What to do if you experience angry body language

At some point in your life, you may encounter a person or situation that makes you angry. When you experience anger, you might experience one of the aforementioned angry body language signs. When this happens, your body could be warning you of danger or an unhealthy situation. 

When you experience angry body language, it may be a sign to take space and practice anger management techniques. Depending on the situation, the appropriate method of anger management can vary. 

Remove yourself from the situation 

First, remove yourself from the source of anger. This action can be effective in reducing harm to others or causing conflict. Walking away from the situation could allow you to relax and consider your urges before acting. 

Try mindfulness 

If you cannot remove yourself from a situation, focus on internal ways of calming down. This practice can involve breathing deeply, counting your deep breaths, or practicing mindfulness. In many situations, people can calm themselves down if they confront anger when it first appears. If another person is causing you to feel angry, ask them if you can return to the conversation at a different moment or set a boundary by asking them to stop if they’re acting unhealthily. 

Think of the consequences of acting on anger 

Internally, consider the consequences of acting on your anger. Anger may cloud your judgment or make you feel impulsive. Unhealthy behaviors may lead to regret, injuries, or legal issues. Thinking of what you could lose by acting recklessly may be a practical motivator for maintaining control of yourself.

What to do if you are confronted by angry body language

A visibly angry person might confront you at some point. This confrontation could occur in a bar, on the street, or in your workplace. However, you often cannot control someone else’s behaviors. Depending on the individual, their history, and other factors, they may lash out or express their anger openly by yelling, throwing items, or physically harming you. Verbal displays of anger may be a precursor to physical aggression.

Angry body language is a warning sign and can save you from getting into danger. If you are confronted by someone displaying angry body language, walk away or report it to the authorities. If you’re in a professional environment, report the individual to the teacher, your boss, or another professional. Whether you know the person, you may not be fully aware of their capabilities. Walking away from an angry person can ensure your safety. 

If you are facing or witnessing abuse in your family or relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. You can also use the online chat.

Managing anger

You may face situations where managing anger feels difficult. Although urges can be unhealthy, feeling anger is not inherently unhealthy. Anger may also be a secondary emotion to other emotions like sadness or fear. However, anger management techniques might benefit you if you struggle with controlling your behavior when angry. 

Anger management therapy

If you constantly feel angry or struggle to control yourself when you are mad, you may benefit from anger management therapy. In anger management therapy, you can learn about anger, how it impacts your mental and physical health, and how to manage it. An anger management therapist may also help you understand why you feel angry and how to change your behaviors to experience it less often. 

Online counselors can provide counseling anywhere you have an internet connection, and you can partake in therapy through live chat or phone calls if you prefer them to video calls. Additionally, studies show that online therapy is as effective as traditional in-person counseling in treating various mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, anger, and more. 

Your openness to accepting help may improve your quality of life, interpersonal relationships, and opportunities in the future. If you’re ready to try counseling, consider an online platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples. You are not alone, and anger management therapy could benefit you.