Ever heard the expression, “I was so angry I couldn’t see straight!”? Well, that may be more accurate than you realize. Anger and stress have more of an effect on our bodies than we realize. Yesterday Teri introduced the acronym H.A.L.T. (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) as a way to keep yourself in check before relapsing. Everyone needs to make sure they don’t get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired when dealing with everyday situations and in every relationship.

So what effects do stress and anger have on the body? Here are a few:

• Increases blood pressure
• Body and muscles tense
• Increases heart rate
• Neck muscles tighten which can lead to headaches, migraines or insomnia
• Anger stimulates the release of acids in the stomach which can cause acid reflux & ulcers.

Additionally, when the mind becomes stressed, your body releases chemicals into the blood that clots the blood. This can have dangerous results that can lead to heart attack or stroke. At the same time, anger impedes circulation throughout our body. Therefore, our organs, including our brain, can’t get adequate oxygen when we feel angry! This is why we can’t think clearly and sometimes make bad choices when feeling the pressure of stress or anger.

The acronym H.A.L.T. is to remind you to do just that. STOP. If you’re feeling too angry, take a time out. It can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes to fully calm down and get your organs the appropriate oxygen & your body the appropriate amount of time it needs to function.

Thanks for reading, please check back in to learn more about Lonely & Tired!

Sources: www.help-your-child-with-anger.com; www.webmd.com 

Written by: Tamara Wilhelm MA, LMHC

*Tamara enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, & couples counselingat Imagine Hope. We also specialize in family counseling, child & adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area, including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, Westfield & Fishers.