When people say they are “seeing red,” they are usually referring to a heightened emotional state of extreme anger and frustration. Physically, this phrase is used to describe the experience of feeling so angry and overwhelmed that our face turns red or flushed. Mentally, the phrase implies that the person is feeling overpowered by their emotions and has difficulty controlling their anger. It can also mean that they are feeling a heightened sense of awareness of their anger and that it is taking over their thoughts and emotions.
On a physical level, “seeing red” means that our body is responding to the extreme emotion of anger by releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause our heart rate to increase, our blood pressure to rise, and our muscles to tense up. The physical effects of anger can include flushed skin, clenched fists, and intense body language.
Mentally, “seeing red” means that the person is feeling overwhelmed and consumed by their anger. They may feel like they have lost control over their emotions and can no longer manage their anger. They may also feel intense feelings of hostility and aggression towards the person or situation that is causing them to be angry.
What usually causes people to see red?
People usually “see red” when they have experienced a perceived injustice or have been wronged in some way. This could be anything from a minor disagreement to a major injustice. People may also see red when they are feeling a lack of control or power in a situation, which can cause them to react emotionally. Other common triggers of anger include feeling disrespected or misunderstood, feeling like you are not being taken seriously, or feeling like your opinions are not being heard.
The most common triggers for people ‘seeing red’ include feeling a lack of respect, not being listened to, or feeling like their opinions are not valued. This may be due to a disagreement with a friend, family member, or colleague, or it may be due to a perceived injustice in the wider world. For example, people may become angry when they feel they have been treated unfairly or discriminated against.
Anger can also be triggered by feeling powerless or overwhelmed in a situation. People may feel this way when they are facing a difficult challenge or are unable to make progress towards a goal. This can cause them to feel frustrated and helpless, and can lead to feelings of anger.
In addition, people may also become angry when they are feeling stressed.
4 cool-down tactics for whenever hot anger strikes
1.Breathe
Breathing is the most basic of human functions, but it can also be a powerful tool for managing stress and calming the mind. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath can help you find a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Breathing deeply and slowly allows your body to relax and your mind to become more focused. This can help you to better manage your emotions and clear your head of any racing or anxious thoughts. It can also help to release tension that may have built up in your body due to stress or anxiety.
When we take deep breaths, we fill our lungs with oxygen. This allows the body to relax and release any built-up tension or stress. It also helps to reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Focusing on your breathing can also help to improve your concentration and focus. When you shift your attention to your breath, it can help to bring your awareness back to the present moment and away from any distractions or worries. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and allow you to focus on what matters most.
Breathing can be a powerful tool for managing stress and calming the mind.
2. Figure out what’s really behind your anger
Anger is an emotion that can have both positive and negative effects on our lives, depending on how we choose to express it. It is important to learn how to recognize and understand the root causes of our anger, as this can help us to better manage our emotions and reactions.
Often, anger is a symptom of a deeper issue, such as fear, hurt, or frustration. It is important to take the time to figure out what is really behind your anger. Doing this can help you to better understand why you are feeling angry and how to address the underlying issues.
When you start to feel angry, try to pause and take a few deep breaths. This can help to calm you down and give you the space to think clearly. From there, you can try to identify the root cause of your anger. Ask yourself questions such as “What is really bothering me?” or “What am I really feeling?” This can help you to get to the bottom of your anger and understand what is really causing it.
Once you have identified the root cause of your anger, you can start to think about how to address it. You may need to take action in order to resolve the issue.
3. Try to “interrupt” the anger
When faced with intense anger, it is important to take steps to “interrupt” the emotion before it becomes overwhelming and leads to destructive behaviour. This can be done by taking a few deep breaths, counting to 10, or walking away from the situation.
Taking a few deep breaths can help to slow down your heart rate and reduce the physical symptoms of anger, such as increased blood pressure and tense muscles. It can also help to clear your mind and give you the space to think more clearly.
Counting to 10 can also be an effective way to interrupt your anger. This can help to give you time to step back and assess the situation before reacting. It can also help to reduce the intensity of your anger, allowing you to respond in a more measured and sensible way.
Finally, walking away from the situation can also be a helpful way to “interrupt” the anger. This can help you to gain some distance and perspective so that you can think more clearly and rationally.
4. Recognize the physical signs that you’re about to see red
When we experience intense anger, it is important to recognize the physical signs that we are about to “see red.” Knowing these signs can help us to take steps to address the underlying cause of the emotion and prevent it from leading to destructive behaviour.
The physical signs of anger can include an increased heart rate, a flushed face, clenched fists, and tense muscles. You may also find yourself breathing heavily, sweating, and shaking. If you notice these signs, it is important to take action to address the emotion before it escalates further.
In addition to physical signs, there are also certain mental signs that can indicate that you are about to “see red.” These can include a feeling of being overwhelmed by your anger, thoughts of revenge, and a strong desire to lash out. If you are feeling these emotions, it is important to take a step back and address the underlying cause of your anger before it leads to destructive behaviour.
Recognizing the physical and mental signs of anger can be an important step in managing your emotions and preventing them from leading to destructive behaviour. If you notice these signs, it is important to take action to address the underlying cause of the emotions.
Related:How to Stop Spiraling into Depression
Canclusion
In conclusion, “seeing red” can refer to a heightened emotional state of extreme anger and frustration. On a physical level, it can mean increased heart rate and tense muscles, while mentally it can mean feeling overwhelmed and consumed by anger. It is important to recognize the signs of “seeing red” and take steps to address the underlying cause of the emotion before it leads to negative or destructive behaviour. Taking a few deep breaths, counting to 10, or walking away can help you to gain control over your emotions and diffuse the situation.
