New Delhi: The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t just changed the way we live or eat, it has also wreaked havoc with anticipated events. As things came to a standstill, it can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious and angry. Experts fear that high levels of emotional stress from coronavirus pandemic may lead to a national mental health crisis. Perhaps, a lot of us are stressed and angry as we try to cope with these dramatic changes during these difficult times.

Certain factors and events – losing your patience, the death of a loved one,  chronic illness, disease outbreak – can trigger anger and stress. However, some people have inborn personality traits that make them more prone to stress and anger. Additionally, a person’s attitudes can contribute to our experience of stress and anger.

How stress and anger affect your health

The fact is, stress is a natural response to the pressures of our lives. It is a normal part of life, perhaps, key for survival. But when stress becomes a persistent issue, it can be detrimental. Similarly, being angry isn’t always a concern, however, excessive anger cause problems. Stress and anger are closely linked to one another. For instance, pressure from work and competition can cause stress, making you angry. Also, improper diet, skipping a workout, negative self-talk can make you feel stressed and angry.

Prolonged exposure to stress and anger can be harmful to your health. There’s evidence that anger and stress are linked to health problems, including heart disease, elevated blood pressure, stroke and peptic ulcers. Some research also suggests that keeping anger bottled up or expressing anger inappropriately can make chronic pain worse. Stress and anger can also weaken the immune system.

How to cope with stress and anger in a healthy way

Learning to control anger and stress can be challenging, but not impossible. Since lifestyle plays a vital role in a person’s overall well-being, making healthier choices can minimise the effects of stress and anger while promoting good health. Here are a few tips suggested by Payal Rangar, a certified nutritionist, that can help manage stress and anger.

• Healthy diet: Having a proper diet makes you energetic and happy. Poor nutrition affects the mental health of a person and makes you feel low and stressed. Try to avoid the intake of sugar and carbohydrates.
• Meditation: Meditation is the best way to calm the mind and control anger. It relaxes the mind and makes you think positively. Meditation also helps to control anxiety and depression. This is really good for mental health. Along with, focus on deep breathing.
• Yoga and exercise: Yoga practice improves impulses that surround anger. Yoga keeps you fit physically and mentally. Yoga keeps you refresh and calm. Balasana, Matsyasna, Sukhasna, etc are some of the yoga poses that are helpful for controlling anger and stress. Exercise makes you fit and happy. Skipping workout causes irritation and contributes to anger.
• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be really helpful for controlling stress and anger. It uses natural plant extracts that promote well-being. It enhances you emotionally. Aromatherapy is also good for physical pain and psychological issues.
• Sleep: Improper sleep affects your mental as well as physical health. It makes you irritated and frustrated which makes you stressed and angry. Improper sleep causes health issues like headache, dizziness etc. A lack of sleep can also increase your risk of serious medical conditions like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. A person must sleep at least seven hours in the night for a healthy body.
• Set priorities: Engage yourself in some work or hobby that will not let you think negative and develop stress or anger. You can listen to some soft music while you are relaxing. You can also make a journal in which you will write all about your problems. This will make you feel good and you can self analyse as well.
• Limit alcohol: Try to avoid or limit alcohol. Consumption of alcohol makes your mind uncontrollable and aggressive. Also, alcohol is not good for other body parts as well. Instead, drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated.

Parents should talk to their children as this will help them to do the right things. Anger is not a solution to problems, in fact, it creates problems. Also, they should encourage and support them. Make your children feel special. Read positive and inspirational books. Consult a therapist if your child is suffering a lot.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.