Is It Easier To Control Your Anger Or Your Diet & Exercise?

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, and modern medicine spends much time researching ways to prevent it.  The research has mostly focused on physical issues like a healthy diet, adequate exercise, blood pressure and cholesterol.  However, new research is suggesting that the risk of a heart attack increases substantially (8x!) after an intense angry episode.  Further, the anger can bring on strokes, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, interrupted sleep, insulin resistance and the bad behaviors associated with cardiovascular risk like poor eating and drinking.  And it isn't just the angry outburst.  Chronic anger creates physiological changes that alter the body, making it have the signs of cardiovascular disease.  Therefore, anger combined with poor health habits increases the risk of cardiovascular disease even more.

Ayurveda treats the whole person, both body and spirit.  Sometimes a health issue is not just due to physical causes.  Usually, the underlying cause has an emotional or mental component.  Having a constructive way to deal with anger and other difficult emotions can promote better health than just physical lifestyle changes.  Probably, a person who feels more balanced mentally is able to make better life choices.

Ayurveda recommends a daily routine that includes meditation to keep the mind and emotions steady.  Some other useful approaches involve attitude changes.  For example, one should avoid assuming that others are purposely trying to annoy or harm you.  Many times the person lacks this intent and their behavior is due to another reason.  Also, try to be less rigid in your expectations.  The more beliefs and rules people have about how others should behave, the more a person will be susceptible to anger and disappointment.  When you do feel angry, try to take a time out and give yourself a little space to react that is not in the immediate moment.  Additionally, just let the emotion pass.  Meaning, tell yourself that you are angry and just feel it.  Don't fuel the story and make the other person wrong. Sometimes just acknowledging,feeling and allowing it to pass will help you find a more constructive, positive response (angry people don't think that clearly).  Even if you 'fail,' let it go and resolve to try again.  Victory and courage are found in the effort.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa