Feeling cold when you're angry is a common phenomenon and is related to the way your body reacts to strong emotions through the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating various involuntary bodily functions, including temperature regulation.
When you experience intense emotions like anger, your body undergoes a "fight or flight" response, which is an evolutionary mechanism that prepares you to deal with perceived threats. During this response, several physiological changes occur, including the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
One of the effects of these stress hormones is to constrict blood vessels near the surface of the skin, which reduces blood flow to the skin's outer layers. This serves a protective purpose, as it helps to conserve heat and directs more blood to vital organs, preparing your body for physical action. As a result, you may feel colder, especially in your extremities like your hands and feet, as they receive less blood flow and warmth.
Additionally, during the "fight or flight" response, your body is often diverting energy to cope with the intense emotion and prepare for potential conflict, which can also contribute to the feeling of being cold.
It's essential to note that individual responses to emotions can vary, and not everyone experiences this feeling of coldness when angry. Some people might experience the opposite, feeling warmer or even sweaty when they are angry or agitated.
If you find that this feeling of coldness or other physical responses to anger are concerning or interfering with your daily life, it might be helpful to discuss it with a healthcare professional or therapist to gain a better understanding of your specific reactions and explore coping strategies.