Anger Neuroscience

What is 'amygdala hijack' and how do I interrupt it?

Amygdala hijack is when your brain's alarm system (the amygdala) takes control before your rational mind can respond, flooding your body with stress h...

What's happening in my brain when I rage?

When you rage, your brain essentially goes into survival mode. The amygdala - your brain's alarm system - floods your system with stress hormones like...

What is the 'rage circuit' and how do I rewire it?

The 'rage circuit' is a neural pathway in your brain that triggers explosive anger when activated. It's essentially a well-worn highway of neurons tha...

What does chronic anger do to my nervous system?

Chronic anger is literally rewiring your brain and poisoning your nervous system. When you're constantly angry, your brain gets stuck in fight-or-flig...

What's the relationship between stress and anger threshold?

Stress and your anger threshold have an inverse relationship - the higher your stress, the lower your capacity to handle frustration before exploding....

What role does cortisol play in my reactivity?

Cortisol is your body's primary stress hormone, and it plays a massive role in making you reactive during marital conflicts. When your brain perceives...

Why does anger feel like the only accessible emotion?

Anger feels like your only accessible emotion because your brain is designed for survival, not emotional nuance. When you're stressed, hurt, or overwh...

What is 'window of tolerance' and how do I widen mine?

Your '[window of tolerance](/answers/she-wants-out/what-does-window-of-tolerance-mean-and-why-am-i-outside-it)' is the zone where you can handle stres...