Anger is a natural emotion, but it can also become an addiction. In neurobiology, the anger center is located near the edge of the cortex along with other basic emotions, primal urges, and pleasure. When feeling anger, the body releases adrenaline and dopamine, creating a rush of energy and pleasure. However, if anger consumes you, it can become something you can’t live without, harming your physical and mental self, as well as your relationships and work environment.

To manage and overcome anger, it’s crucial to understand its consequences. Allow anger to control your life, and you might find yourself alone and unhappy. Your anger can disrupt family dynamics, distance friends, and stress colleagues. By accepting that your anger is an addiction, you can take the first step towards recovery.

Recognize the signs of anger and learn how to cope with them. It’s easy to become comfortable with anger and use it as a means of achieving goals. However, this isn’t a sustainable or healthy approach to life. Seek professional help to learn how to conquer anger or make improvements on your own. During an event that causes anger, take a moment to pause, breathe, and acknowledge that your anger is spiking.

It’s not always easy to avoid stressful situations, but make it a priority to cut them off temporarily. Don’t engage in a conversation that is getting you angry, avoid people who are antagonizing, and take a different route to work if traffic jams are stressing you out. Spend some time alone, exploring yourself, and developing your own methods of calming down.

Developing a routine that helps calm you down can also work wonders. Imagining the situation unfold if you don’t calm down, taking deep breaths, and changing your vocabulary can help change your reaction to a situation. Communicate with others using phrases like “I’m sorry, I just got angry there for a second,” or “I’m a bit stressed out right now, let’s discuss this later when I’ve got a cool head.”

Finally, consider meditating to help reach a calm state of mind. Meditative exercises can give you access to a calm place in your mind and help you maintain calm throughout the day. It’s essential to understand that anger is a normal and natural reaction, but it shouldn’t be expressed without proper reason. Instead, take things slow, don’t give up at the first sign of trouble, and you’re bound to conquer it. Moreover, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it can take steps towards overcoming anger. In summary, managing and overcoming anger isn’t easy but is achievable with time, patience and most importantly, a willingness to make changes.