Anger is a draining emotion. When you experience anger, and do not have a way to make an immediate change to fix the thing that is making you angry, the anger serves little point. Yet it requires intense energy.
It is easy to hang on to anger and continue recalling past transgressions that upset us. We think constantly about the anger rather than the present and things that will bring us joy until we start to feel depression and anxiety.
Why Learn to Let Go of Anger
Anger can be beneficial when it prompts us to seek change. But too often, people are angry and never do anything about it except hold on to their anger. Putting this energy into negativity takes away from energy you could spend on more beneficial thoughts and emotions to the point that you start to feel negativity and stress.
The sooner a person can set aside anger and resentment after an upset, the sooner they can start focusing their energy on what they can change or things that are more rewarding. In order to do this, you need to build the skills for letting go of anger:
- Identify the Source – The first step is to admit that you are angry and name the source of your resentment in order to start dealing with it.
- Practice Relaxation – Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and deep breaths can all help you feel less agitated about your anger.
- Find a Solution – If there is an actionable step you can take about what is upsetting you, take it. If your anger is directed at a person, try talking it out with them.
- Distract Yourself – Find activities that you can pursue that will require your focus so you can pay attention to them rather than your anger.
- Forgive and Release Gruddges – By actively deciding to let anger go, you regain control of your emotional wellbeing. This does not mean that you were not hurt, but that the past no longer has control over you.
As you begin to practice controlling angry and upset responses, you will start to notice fewer symptoms of anxiety or depression. You will also have more space emotionally and mentally to begin addressing other negative impacts on your mental health and make an overarching positive change.
