How to Channel Anger in a Creative Way

Anger is a natural response we express when feelings of frustration overwhelm us. Although it can manifest as aggressive behaviour, which is unacceptable, anger can be successfully channeled so that it can be expressed in a more creative and beneficial way. Learning how to direct and channel aggression, rage and anger will enable you to reduce the amount of stressful situations and problems in your life.

Get Positive

To help create a positive feeling it is important to release the pressure of anger and aggression. You may be able to do this by taking slow, deep breaths and repeating positive affirmations like ‘I am relaxing and doing fine’ as your body releases tension. Or you may get the urge to let out the tension in a more audible way, by shouting it out. If this is the case, finding a safe, secluded place in nature, or screaming into a pillow may provide you with a beneficial solution to reducing your feelings of anger.

Thinking positively will encourage you to explore different styles of channeling anger, and will keep you motivated to take action.

Get Creative

There are many creative options to explore when looking for effective ways to channel your anger. Listening to soothing music, dancing to favourite tunes or painting all induce a relaxing effect on us. Not only will you be channeling your rage by concentrating your focus on the activity, but you will also be shifting your emotions and feelings so that they become less aggressive and more positively calm.

Keeping a Journal will also provide you with an opportunity to explore your creativity. Expressing your deepest feelings in writing well help you clarify why you react in the way that you do in certain situations. It will also help you channel your emotions by shifting your focus to the way you are expressing your thoughts and beliefs.

Get Active

Physical activity not only benefits our body but it also creates a positive response in our mind. Feel-good chemicals are released in the body whenever we exercise or move energetically, so going to the gym, exercising outdoors, dancing and playing with your children can all help us ease feelings of anger and frustration.

Quiet contemplation, in the form of yoga, pilates, t’ai chi or meditation can also have a powerful effect on reducing pent-up anger. Because these activities are slower and more precise they require that we focus all of our attention on the exercise in question. Stilling our thoughts, so that we can enjoy this form of creative channeling, will enable us to shift our aggressive emotions and feelings so that they become softer and more manageable.

Get Talkative

If you are fortunate enough to have an understanding friend or family member, talking about your feelings will enable you to express your emotions in a comfortable and safe environment. Being able to calmly express how you feel when anger threatens to overwhelm you, will help you understand why you react to situations, and individuals, in the manner that you do. Accepting your friend’s opinion will also enable you to identify the best way to channel any feelings that you may experience in the future.