Can Exercise Help Anger Management & Reduce Rageful Outbursts?

Dr. Freya Bajandouh, PhD
Anger can act as an instigator for aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour, which can lead to a number of negative outcomes. It is important for those who struggle with anger issues to learn how to manage with them in healthy ways. With exercise being increasingly named as the number one method to support anger management (and my deep interest in the effects of exercise) I was keen to explore this further.


Exercise has a positive influence on mental health.


Exercise is known to have a positive effect on emotional well-being. The use of exercise as a coping mechanism is a healthy way for people to combat mental states such as depression, anxiety and stress.


Indeed, those who exercise regularly have an increase in positive mood; including tension and stress relief, anxiety and alertness.


But how does exercise relate to anger?


Exercise can work as a prevention for anger. In a recent study conducted in the US, people who exercised more were found to be less prone to anger and aggressive tendencies. A finding that has interesting appeared to be stronger in women than in men.


Exercise can also work as a tool to overcome anger. Researchers discovered a large positive effect on stress, depression and anger when people who suffered from burnout used exercise to manage their symptoms.


There are a number of ideas as to how exercise supports anger management.


One theory (the Cross-Stressor Adaptation Hypothesis) suggests that the key to helping anger management is the prolonged physiological stress state the body experiences during exercise. To put it simply, your body experiences so much physiological stress during exercise that (through habituation) it becomes better able to deal with stress in normal life.


Another theory suggests that exercise supports anger management due to increasing the functionality of the hippocampus (the part of the brain involved with learning and memory processes). By increasing the function of the hippocampus, the cognitive control system (which is in charge of regulating anger) also grows, resulting in improved anger management.


The experiences during exercise help develop healthy anger management techniques.


When you exercise your brain is intensely focused on the movement, breath and body. When you are focused, you are distracted from the issues that cause you stress and anger. Having regular breaks from repeatedly thinking about stimuli that causes anger is a very effective way in which exercise can support anger management.


When you exercise your heart rate increases and you experience shorter, shallow breaths. Your body naturally works to slow your breathing to a normal pace following exercising. This physiological response is similar to the response needed to calm down when you are feeling angry.


Anger = increased heart rate. Calm = decreased heart rate.


Learning and practicing to control your heart rate is an effective tool that exercise can teach you to help anger management.


How can I incorporate these findings into my life?


As we have seen, exercise has a whole host of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. But it is one thing to know this information, and another to do something about it.


First of all, find a type of exercise that you enjoy! There is no point committing to run 3 times a week when you hate running. If anything you will find your anger increase at the thought of something so unpleasant!


Maybe you like stretching, Yoga or Pilates, maybe you enjoy power outbursts such as running or spinning, or maybe you more enjoy leisurely activities e.g., swimming or going for bike rides. Getting started is all about accessibility so do what is available and enjoyable to you.


Personally, I find yoga helps with my general emotional state. I am a lot less prone to angry outbursts when I have a regular yoga practice. However, if I am angry, there is nothing better than putting my headphones in and listening to some very loud music while I go for a 5km run!


Once you have chosen your exercise, I suggest you start now. Do not wait for Monday, for the start of the month, or for a special occasion to pop up, start your new routine now.


If you feel you are not pushing yourself enough, the fact you are moving your body is the important part. Do not get too caught up in how fast you are going, how much sweat you are producing, or how many miles you can cover. Progress is better than perfection.


Finally, give it time. It may take a couple of weeks to start to reap the rewards of your new exercise routine but trust me (and the research evidence) the benefits will come with time!

 

If you would like further information about how to manage anger or if you are interested in learning about the benefits of exercise and incorporating this into your life then do not hesitate to contact myself (Dr. Freya) to book a session.


References:


Bannon, S. M., Salis, K. L., & O'Leary, K. D. (2015). Structural brain abnormalities in aggression and violent behavior. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 25, 323-329 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178915001317


Chu, I. (2008). Effect of exercise intensity during aerobic training on depressive symptoms in initially sedentary depressed women. 86-103. (Order No. 10630864). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1923387061). https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_etd/send_file/send?accession=osu1204261519&disposition=inline


Edenfield, T. M. (2007). Exercise and mood: Exploring the role of exercise in regulating stress reactivity in bipolar disorder (Order No. 3277226). Available from Psychology Database. (304850999). https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/32/


Henchoz, Y., Baggio, S., N'goran, A. A., Studer, J., Deline, S., Mohler-kuo, M., & Gmel, G. (2014). Health impact of sport and exercise in emerging adult men: A prospective study. Quality of Life Research, 23(8), 2225-2234. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0665-0


Holmes, D. S., & Roth, D. L. (1987). Effects of aerobic exercise training and relaxation training on cardiovascular activity during psychological stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 32, 469-474. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3070014/


Kemp, D. (2018) Is Exercise an Effective Treatment for Reducing Anxiety in Patients with Panic Disorder? PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 367. https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/367/


Kim, Y., Choi, H. and Yeom, H. (2019). Relationships between Exercise Behavior and Anger Control of Hospital Nurses. Asian Nursing Research, 13 (1), 86-91. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2019.01.009


Schultz, A. E. (2018). Effects of Exercise on Anger and Aggressive Tendencies. Undergraduate Theses. 168. https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/cup_commons_undergrad/22/


Thirlaway, K., & Benton, D. (1991). Participation in physical activity and cardiovascular fitness have different effects on mental health and mood. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 36, 657-665. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1404000/


Washburn, C. R., Pritchard, M. E., Book, P., & Clark, C. (2007). Correlations between exercise and anger in college students. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 104(3), 1310. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17879665/


About the Author: Dr. Freya strongly believes in the science of Positive Psychology and uses her wealth of knowledge in this area to help clients overcome issues they face, enabling them to feel more positive towards themselves and their lives. Freya has a PhD in Psychology, is a qualified Yoga Teacher, and has completed courses in Meditation and Buddhist Studies. Read Full Bio >

By Chei Liang Sin September 29, 2025
How Are You, Really? October marks a natural turning point in the year. The year has substantially passed and is coming to an end, and there’s a quiet invitation to slow down, take stock and turn inward. It’s a time of transition—a time that reflects what many of us feel but rarely give ourselves the time and space to acknowledge or process. This makes October a fitting month for World Mental Health Day , observed each year on October 10th . While it’s an important time for raising awareness globally, it’s also a deeply personal reminder: our mental health matters, and we need to take ownership to prioritize the same as intentionally as we do our physical health. With the pre-occupation of day-to-day life, where productivity and performance often take centre stage, we can easily lose sight of how we’re really feeling and what we really need. This October, I invite you to slow down.
Take a deep breath.
And ask yourself: How am I, really? Mental Health Is Everyday Health Mental health is not a luxury. Neither is it something reserved for people in crisis or with mental illness. It’s something we all own, and something we all need to look after and maintain—just like our physical wellbeing. Some days, our mental health feels steady and clear. Other days, it may feel shaky, foggy, or heavy. That fluctuation is normal. But if you’ve noticed that the tough days are starting to outweigh the better ones—or if you’ve been feeling disconnected, anxious, exhausted, or simply “not yourself” for a while—it may be time to check in more deeply. The truth is, many people struggle silently or ignore the warning signs. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. And yet, stigma, shame, busyness and misconceptions still prevent many from seeking support. Common Myths About Mental Health Let’s take a moment to challenge a few common myths that often keep people from getting help: • “I should be able to handle this on my own.” 
While resilience is admirable, no one is meant to carry their emotional struggle alone. Seeking help or support is not an act of coward, or a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is an act of taking ownership and responsibility for our own mental health, and an act of courage to face the issue. Just as you’d seek help for a broken bone, it’s okay to seek support for emotional pain or mental unwellness too. • “My problems aren’t serious enough, other people in similar situation are going through the same thing.” 
Therapy or mental check-in isn’t just for people in crisis. Many clients seek support for stress, burnout, relationships, transitions, or just to better understand themselves. If it’s impacting you in any way, it’s valid. Especially so if it has been affecting your general wellbeing for some time. Only you know how you feel, and how you are being impacted. There is no one universal baseline for everyone, each of us is unique. • “If I talk about it, I will feel worse.” 
The opposite is often true. Recognising and naming what you’re feeling and being heard by a trusted person, or a professional in a safe space can bring incredible cathartic relief. The added advantage of seeking therapy with professional therapists is that you will not feel judged, instead you feel safe and heard, and will also achieve clarity as to your feelings and thinking. This clarity will go a long way to help you navigate through your struggles. Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Health This Month Whether you’re in a difficult season or simply wanting to stay emotionally grounded, here are some gentle practices you could try to support your mental wellbeing: 1. Create Intentional Pauses Take 2–5 minutes each day to check in with yourself. How’s your body feeling? What emotions are present? Just noticing and acknowledging, without judgment, is powerful. It means that you are paying attention to yourself, and recognising how you feel bodily and emotionally. 2. Move Your Body, Gently You don’t need an intense workout. Even a walk outside or light stretching can release tension and help bring your focus back to yourself. Bonus if you could get some fresh air and sunlight in the process too, which are vital to boost your mood. 3. Limit Mental Overload If you are suffering from mental overload, your nervous system needs breaks to recalibrate. You may have too many things you want done or expected to get done, try to organize and only focus on what really needs to be done currently , so that you can declutter and lighten the mental overload. Learning how to prioritise in our fast-paced life is important. Also try reducing overstimulation from excessive screen time, social media, news, or constant multitasking. 4. Reach Out and Connect Call a friend. Reach out to someone for a catch-up. Let someone know how you’re doing. Be interested in what’s going with someone’s life. You might be surprised how much it helps to connect with and talk to someone. 5. Get Support from a Professional There’s no shame in talking to a therapist. In fact, therapy can be one of the most empowering choices you make. It’s a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts, process difficult emotions, and learn useful tools to navigate life more effectively. Therapy Is Not a Last Resort—It’s a Powerful Resource As a psychotherapist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through their most challenging seasons. And I’ve seen time and time again how people uncover or re-discover their inner resilience when they feel safe, heard, understood, and supported. Therapy offers more than just a place to vent. It’s a space where healing can happen. Where self-awareness can deepen. Where you can reconnect with your own wisdom and inner resources. Self-care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Essential In our culture, especially in caregiving roles or high-pressure environments, it’s easy to internalize the message that taking care of yourself is weak or selfish. But burnout, emotional numbness, and chronic stress don’t just affect you—they impact your relationships, your health, and your ability to show up fully for your loved ones. When you care for your mental health, everyone around you benefits. You become more grounded, more present, and more available—to yourself and others. So let’s rewrite the narrative: Checking in with oneself isn’t being self-indulgent. It’s being responsible. Final Thoughts If you’ve been navigating life’s demands on your own and wondering whether you could benefit from talking to someone—this is your invitation. Whether you’re processing a recent loss, dealing with anxiety, exploring your identity, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can be a life-changing space for self-discovery, healing and growth. World Mental Health Day is a powerful reminder, but mental health care isn’t a one-day event. It’s an ongoing practice of listening inward, paying attention to your body and emotions, and knowing that you can exercise your own agency in seeking support. If you’re looking for a place to begin, we are here. As therapists, we offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore what’s been weighing on your heart and mind. You don’t have to carry it all alone. If you would like to speak to me, or one of our therapists, feel free to contact us at info@counselingperspective.com . Pause. Check In. Reflect. Heal. Your wellbeing matters. And you are not alone .
By Praveen Kaur September 29, 2025
Mental Health Day Reflection: The Journey to Self-Mastery They say it takes 10,000 hours to master something. Whether it’s playing the violin, baking sourdough or speaking French, put in the time and you can become a master. Here’s a curious thought: Most of us have been living as ourselves for well over 30,000, 40,000, even 50,000 hours ... and yet, how many of us can say we’ve mastered ourselves? We’ve been alive, sure—but have we been awake, present for ourselves? Why Aren’t We Masters of Ourselves? Because too often, we’re: • Too busy chasing what we think we should want • Too busy being angry about what didn’t go our way • Too busy overthinking what might happen next • Too busy living in other people’s heads seeking approval and fearing judgment Sound familiar? You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just not yet aligned and that can change. What Is Self-Mastery? Self-mastery isn’t about perfection. It’s about living in alignment with your values, your energy and your vision of the life you want . It’s about making conscious choices, not reactive ones. It’s about being present, not consumed by the past or future. It’s about leading with authenticity, not fear. Yes, it can be a journey. Sometimes, it requires coaching, healing, therapy and/or mentorship. Letting go of outdated identities, relationships or comfort zones may come with a cost. But with that loss often comes relief. You lose baggage you never needed to carry in the first place. Where It All Begins: Awareness The first step? Awareness. Ask yourself: • Who am I becoming? • What actually matters to me now? • Where am I operating from fear instead of freedom? From awareness, we cultivate authenticity . From authenticity, we begin to act in alignment. And with alignment, we start to feel at home in our own skin. That’s self-mastery. It is not loud, not flashy but quietly powerful. This Mental Health Day, Choose You This isn’t a day to “fix” yourself. It’s a day to meet yourself. For some of us it may be for the first time in a while. Take a breath. Slow down. Ask your inner self what they need. Then start small: one present moment, one conscious decision, one fearless step. You already have the hours. Now you just need the intention.
By Fitz Anugerah September 1, 2025
When I volunteered to write this month’s note on Hope & Healing Trauma, my mind was overflowing with ideas. There’s so much to say, so many perspectives, so many lived experiences. But as I began writing, I realised I had to bring it back to basics…the simplest truth. My wish is that if you take away just one thing from this note, it’s this: At the end of hope, lies your potential. Hope is a tricky thing. It can lift you up or it can feel completely out of reach depending on where you are in your healing journey. For someone carrying the weight of trauma, hope can feel foreign, almost unrealistic. And yet, even the tiniest glimmer of it can create the spark that helps us climb out of the darkest places. I’ve been there. I’ve had to pick myself up after the heartbreak of a toxic relationship that broke down my self worth in my twenties. I’ve had to rebuild form burnout at work, restart my finances after leaving a five figure corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship and even fight through a cancer diagnosis that changed everything I thought I knew about life. Reading these words here may make them sound neat and manageable, but what’s missing are the tears, the anxiety, the worry behind the scenes. What carried me through those moments wasn’t grit or resilience alone, it was hope. Hope that the only way was up. Hope that if I kept showing up for myself, I would eventually find light on the other side. But here’s the truth: healing is not linear. It’s messy. It’s haphazard. Some days you feel like you’re making progress and other days you feel like you’re back at square one. That doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human. The true goal isn’t to avoid setbacks, but to get better at picking yourself up when they happen. For years, I lived angry; angry at relationships that hurt me, angry at an environment I didn’t feel I fit into, angry at life’s unfairness. But when I turned inward, I realised the anger wasn’t really about others. It was about me. I wasn’t showing up authentically for myself. I wasn’t giving myself permission to heal. That realisation became my tipping point. It wasn’t easy. It took years of counselling, meditation, journaling and one practice that profoundly shifted everything for me: BodyTalk . BodyTalk is a holistic healthcare system that looks at the whole person; your mind, your body and your experiences, not just your symptoms. Our bodies carry stories: traumas, emotions and unresolved memories that show up as stress, illness or pain. In BodyTalk these stories are gently uncovered and released. For me, it meant letting go of emotionally charged experiences I’d been unconsciously holding onto as my identity; stories that were taking up unnecessary space in my mind and body. When I allowed myself to release them through BodyTalk sessions, something incredible happened. I felt freer. My body felt lighter. And more importantly, my mind felt spacious again. Ready to hold, not pain, but potential. That’s where hope led me: to potential. The potential to be myself. The potential to heal. The potential to live differently, to go against the grain and be okay with it. So if you take away just one thing from this note, let it be this: hope is not about perfection and healing is not about erasing your past. Trauma doesn’t have to define you. When you stop letting it own you, you begin to uncover the space for who you are meant to be. And at the end of hope, always, lies your potential.