How to Let Go of Anger
Advice from Psychologists, Therapists, and Healers
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Anger is a natural human emotion, yet it can be challenging to manage and control. When left unchecked, it can harm our relationships, well-being, and mental health.
Fortunately, psychologists, therapists, and healers have developed various strategies to help individuals effectively process and let go of anger.
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” — The Buddha
Understanding the Roots of Anger
Recognizing the triggers of anger is the first step toward managing it effectively. Psychologists emphasize the importance of self-awareness in identifying situations, words, or actions that ignite anger (APA, 2017).
Understanding your anger triggers can help you anticipate and prepare for situations that might provoke an emotional response. In my experience, the root of my anger was fear; fear of not being good enough, rich enough, fast enough, winning enough, earning enough.
When you know that you’re enough without selling your soul to get more stuff, you’re on your way to letting go of fear, impatience, agitation, anger, and, the grandfather of them all, rage.
Let go of the fear, and the anger melts away.
“But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.” — Maya Angelou
Expressing Anger Constructively
Expressing anger assertively rather than aggressively is a crucial strategy recommended by professionals. It involves communicating your feelings and needs calmly and directly without hurting others (APA, 2022).
This approach not only helps in resolving the immediate issue but also in building more robust, more respectful relationships.
“The best fighter is never angry.” — Lao Tzu
