Our bodies are incredible feedback machines of interactions between hormones and organs. When one part fails or is overworked, another part may be affected.
For example, two small glands in our brain, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce hormones called endorphins. These are often referred to as our “happy hormones” because when they are excreted into the body, our emotions are happy and positive.
Meanwhile, two small glands on the top of the kidney called the adrenal glands produce cortisol and adrenaline, our “stress hormones”. The pituitary gland in our brain triggers the release of these hormones whenever we have emotions such as anger or when in a “fight or flight” situation during conflict or danger. When this happens the brain and nervous system move blood away from the stomach and intestines and towards muscles such as the heart. This increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. If this happens regularly, long-term health problems may develop, especially with the heart.
For this reason, it is important to know how to control emotions such as anger. Start by recognizing triggers and warning signs of anger, talk about these feelings, step away if needed and count to ten. Deep breathing and other exercise also help. And don’t forget laughter which helps produce those happy hormones!
Controlling anger not only improves relationships, it also helps improve heart health. Go to
apa.org/anger/control for more information.
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