Stay Calm to Stay Healthy

Considered a myth by some, "Angry White Man Syndrome" may describe someone you love, but often can't tolerate.  I will not debate the legitimacy of the label in this hub. Everyone gets angry at some point, but the focus of this writing is when one maintains a prolonged grudge-like state.  This hub is about the effects of such anger on the health and wellbeing of those who suffer from fits of rage and extended periods of anger in their daily lives. While the source and treatment of this syndrome is open for much debate, one thing is perfectly clear: With poorly managed anger comes heath issues.

It has been proven that depression and anger can be linked to some major causes of death; women had more health issues related to symptoms of depression while men are effected more greatly by anger related heath issues.  Unchecked male hostility can lead to reduced breathing capacity (pulmonary function), increased cortisol (stress hormone) and a shorter life span.  In a study performed at Ohio State University, those with uncontrolled anger healed at a slower rate than those in a more calm control group.

While researching children, it has been discovered that those adolescents who cannot control anger issues successfully from an early age face a higher chance to be in dysfunctional relationships. This extends not only to romance, but also to work and friends.  We all know of the child who gets in fights for no apparent reason, or who seems to love conflict.  This may be an indicator of a deeper issue of anger management.  Youngsters also run a much higher risk of manifesting this unhealthy anger as mental and physical challenges. As an adult will heal more slowly when in a state of rage, the young man may not develop at a "normal' pace leading to further issues. We all can remember how difficult High School can be. Add a poorly developed body or brain and it becomes much worse.  Should you know a child like this, please consider seeking medical or psychological advice from a competent physician or counselor.  You might change a young man's life for the better.

While I am not a doctor and I do not play one on HubPages, I can give you some basic tips to help your anger management.

1. Don't raise your voice. This is NOT easy, but if you take a deep breath and wait one or two seconds before responding, you'll be able to control your voice a little better.
2. Talk it out. Yes, this is also extremely difficult for a man to do, but you should at least try to explain why you were angry about something when you've controlled your anger. It will feel odd, but work on it, it will help/
3. Meditate. WHAT? No I don't mean yoga, per se, but yoga is fine if you can stand it. I mean grab a few moments of alone time when you're about to explode.
4. Come Home Happy. Another tough one, but try not to let your lousy day at work affect your home life. Drive around the block a few extra times to calm your stress a little more before you walk in the door.
5. Get 7 Hours of Sleep. There is not enough time in the day to do what I have to do, forget about time for what I want to do, but you'll be more ready to face your day when you are well rested.
6. Exercise. This is another area where I personally fall short, but I try to get a walk or some gym time every week. It won't be as much as you like, but just get out and do something physical. You'll be amazed at how well you feel afterward.