Managing anger and avoiding the cynicism trap
We’ve all had those moments where anger bubbles up unexpectedly. Someone cuts us off in traffic, our flight gets delayed, or our food order goes missing. These small annoyances can trigger real emotional responses. According to TELUS Health, anger is a natural human emotion — and a critical one that signals when we feel mistreated or when others fail to meet our expectations. But while anger serves a purpose, the real challenge comes when it becomes too frequent or too intense, affecting both our mental and physical health.
How anger impacts our bodies
TELUS Health recently published an insightful article that dives into how anger affects three key areas of our health: the heart, gastrointestinal system, and brain. Here are some highlights:
Your heart: Studies show that anger can decrease blood vessel function, putting strain on your heart. Chronic anger may even lead to long-term cardiovascular issues.
Your gut: Anger triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, redirecting blood away from the digestive system, leading to inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort like stomach aches or constipation.
Your brain: The prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotions and decision-making, can be compromised when stress hormones surge during anger. Over time, this can lead to memory issues and poor cognitive function.
Cynicism: a subtle, yet dangerous emotional trap
While anger is often short-lived, there’s a related emotion that can have an even more lasting impact: cynicism. In her New York Times article, Jancee Dunn explores the concept of the “cynicism trap.” Psychologist Jamil Zaki explains that cynicism — the belief that people are inherently selfish and dishonest — is a protective mechanism we use to safeguard ourselves from disappointment. However, holding on to a cynical worldview can negatively affect our mental and physical health, increasing the risk of depression, heart disease, and burnout.
Cynicism feeds off negativity. When we focus only on the bad, we miss the small acts of kindness happening around us daily. As Dr. Zaki puts it, we have a “negativity bias” — we’re more likely to remember the person who cut us off in traffic than the dozens of drivers who followed the rules.
Moving from anger and cynicism to hope and healing
So, what can we do about these emotions?
For anger, TELUS Health suggests practical coping strategies such as mindful breathing and reminding ourselves that emotions are temporary. For example, taking a moment to breathe deeply or stepping away from a stressful situation can help de-escalate the intensity of the emotion.
As for cynicism, Dr. Zaki offers another solution: seek out moments of “moral beauty.” These are everyday occurrences that remind us of human goodness. Perhaps you’ve seen someone help a stranger in need, or a friend went out of their way to support you. By actively noticing these moments, you can shift your perspective and begin to see the world in a more balanced light.
Another technique is spreading “positive gossip.” Instead of focusing on the negatives, talk about the positive acts you’ve witnessed or the ways others have impacted your life in meaningful ways. This small change can help combat the natural inclination toward cynicism and encourage others to do the same.
It’s all about perspective
Both anger and cynicism can be harmful if left unchecked, but we have the power to manage these emotions. By being mindful of our responses and shifting our focus toward the good in others, we can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
As both TELUS Health and Dr. Zaki suggest, managing emotions starts with recognizing them, and from there, we can begin to cultivate a healthier, more hopeful mindset. So the next time someone cuts you off or life throws a curveball, take a breath, look for the kindness around you, and remember — the world isn’t as bad as it sometimes seems.
For more on how anger affects your health, check out the full article from TELUS Health. You can also explore Jancee Dunn's article on avoiding the “cynicism trap” in the New York Times.
