Anger

ANGER

I acknowledge my anger and channel it into creating positive change in the world

WHAT IS ANGER?

An intense emotional response to perceived provocation, hurt, or threat, often characterized by feelings of displeasure or hostility.

Synonyms: Fury, Rage.

Antonym: Peace

LEARN ALL ABOUT ANGER

WHY ANGER
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF ANGER

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
ANGER

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
ANGER

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT ANGER

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
ANGER

LEARN ALL ABOUT ADMIRATION

WHY ANGER
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF ANGER

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
ANGER

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
ANGER

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT ANGER

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
ANGER

“Anger is never without a reason,
but seldom with a good one.”
Benjamin Franklin

HOW TO RECOGNIZE ANGER IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

Body Language

Tense posture, crossed arms,
abrupt movements

Facial Expressions

Furrowed brows, narrowed eyes,
clenched jaw

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

In the Body

Tension in the chest or fists,
increased heart rate

In the Mind

Irritated thoughts, focus on the
source of frustration

HOW TO RECOGNIZE ANGER IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

Body Language

Tense posture, crossed arms,
abrupt movements

In the Body

Tension in the chest or fists,
increased heart rate

Facial Expressions

Furrowed brows, narrowed eyes,
clenched jaw

In the Mind

Irritated thoughts, focus on the
source of frustration

What situations trigger my anger the most,
and what does that reveal about my values?

TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS
EMOTION

Practice Lion's Breath (Simhasana) to release built-up tension. Sit on your knees, inhale deeply, and exhale forcefully with a roar while sticking out your tongue.
Stand in a stable stance, extend fists forward with an exhale to release pent-up anger, then return to a relaxed stance with an inhale.
Visualize your anger as a storm cloud dissipating with each deep breath. Imagine the cloud shrinking and transforming into calm light.
Use a punching bag to channel anger physically. Focus on each strike as a release of negative emotions, allowing you to regain clarity.
Practice Sitali Pranayama: curl your tongue into a tube, inhale through it, and exhale through your nose. This cooling breath calms anger and reduces heat.
Scream or vocalize in a controlled way into a pillow or in a private space. Allow the sound to release pent-up frustration safely and effectively.

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT ANGER

How loud does a Tiger roar and what impact does its roar have?

How can a tiger’s tail reveal
its mood?

Which benefit can anger have on your brain?

How does anger the release of and what's the benefit of this to you?

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH ANGER

Different animals are associated with different emotions in different cultures. Flip the coins to found out more:

How do I physically experience anger in my body,
and what helps me release it safely?

RETURN TO THE EMOTION EXPLORER GUIDE TO DISCOVER
A WHOLE WORLD OF EMOTIONS

Anger signals perceived injustice or unmet needs, motivating change and boundary-setting. When managed constructively, it fuels assertiveness and problem-solving. However, uncontrolled anger can damage relationships and decision-making, making emotional regulation essential for expressing anger in a healthy and productive way.

A tiger's roar can reach 114 decibels—louder than a chainsaw—instilling fear and asserting dominance over rivals and intruders.

When a tiger twitches its tail, it’s showing signs of frustration, much like how humans display agitation through body language.

Studies show that controlled anger activates the prefrontal cortex, helping people focus and address challenges head-on.

Anger triggers the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands, increasing heart rate and sharpening reflexes—preparing the body for action.

Tiger

Chinese and Indian mythology

The tiger, embodying raw anger and power, is associated with destruction and fury in Chinese and Indian mythologies. It represents courage but also fierce, uncontrollable wrath when provoked.

Wolf

Norse and Slavic mythology

The wolf, particularly Fenrir in Norse mythology, symbolizes unrestrained rage and chaos, destined to bring destruction during Ragnarok. In Slavic tales, wolves are sometimes linked to vengeful spirits, representing untamed fury.

Serpent

Greek and Mesoamerican mythology

The serpent, seen in figures like Medusa in Greek myths and Quetzalcoatl’s destructive aspect in Mesoamerican beliefs, embodies anger through vengeance and transformation, often striking with deadly force when provoked.

Wasp

Native American and African folklore

The wasp, known for its relentless aggression and painful sting, is a symbol of anger in Native American and African traditions. It represents irritation, defense, and the consequences of uncontrolled rage.