In a study from Veterans Affairs, men who are chronically angry were found to have reduced lung function. Hostile men had lower lung function at the start of the study and continued to lose lung function at a faster rate as time went by. Just why anger and hostility affect breathing is not clear. Researchers suggest that hostility triggers inflammation which then produces unwanted changes in the airways.
Even if you know that emotions such as anger can have an affect on your health, it is not simple to change your personality. However if you are aware that mood can impact on breathing, it can be helpful to try to break a cycle of hostility. When you feel yourself getting angry, try to change the focus of your feelings to a subject that makes you smile. Studies have shown that even forcing a smile seems to lower blood pressure. Watch a funny program on TV, call a friend who can make you laugh, or read a book that makes you chuckle. These strategies can’t change your problems, but can fool your body into canceling the physical changes which promote inflammation.
