Calm down

It doesn't take a lot to make me angry. What about you? Did some schmuck cut you off on the freeway? Maybe your boyfriend accidentally shredded that birthday card your grandma sent you so you freaked out you scream, maybe a vein pops out of your forehead. It happens to everyone. But did you know that anger is actually affecting your physical health?

Hey, anger is inevitable, okay? You can't just stop getting angry. Even the world's most sedate person has uttered a few choice words in traffic. Well, that expletive fest really make you feel better, well punching a wall really calm you down. The answer is no. Sorry, but recent studies have shown that angry reactions are pretty harmful to your physical health.

A study found that people with anger management issues tend to get sick more often. Their anger actually weakens their immune system. The Journal of the National Medical Association added that people who respond negatively to anger are 9 percent more likely to have a heart attack. Hey! That might not sound like a lot but come on, it's a heart attack. Every percentage point counts. Other studies have linked anger to everything from coronary disease to high blood pressure.

Now that we all know that excessive angry outbursts are bad for you, Here's how you can manage that anger in four simple steps. All you're going to need is that handy-dandy notebook, a little bit of time and a teeny bit of self-awareness.

Control your breathing

When something pisses you off, instead of screaming or laying on the horn, take deep breaths. Spend 2 to 3 minutes breathing deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. Jmagine inhaling calm blue air and exhaling that red toxic air.

Relax your muscles

Unclench your fists. Make a conscious effort to loosen those shoulders and slump a little. Great posture is awesome but for now let those muscles unwind. I promise it'll help.

Get it out

Once you're relaxed and breathing deeply, grab your handy-dandy notebook. If it's a road rage thing, obviously please pull over but when you get a chance, write down exactly what made you angry.

Seeking context

It's important to put your anger into context by thinking rationally instead of emotionally. Think about it. Are you gonna be angry tomorrow and probably what about a week from now, maybe a month probably not a year. I don't think you'll remember but by examining your anger this way you can displace yourself from it and you'll be able to process your anger without letting it take over your life.

Let's recap!

You need to find a healthy way to process your anger or else you could run into some really nasty health problems. Remember to relax and breathe evenly and then work through your anger by writing it down and contextualizing it. I can't promise you won't get angry ever again but hopefully with this, you found a way to deal with it a little bit better.