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Venting won’t make you feel better when you’re angry and running makes it worse
Anger is a complex emotion that can be hard to regulate sometimes. Even though popular belief holds that venting can make you feel better instantly, research argues otherwise.
Another recent study found a simple trick could help relieve anger, and all it takes is a pen, paper, and acknowledgment of your emotions. However, if breaking things or screaming into a pillow is what brings you peace, consider a healthy way to tackle your pent-up emotions.
Running makes anger worse
The study conducted by Sophie Kj�rvik, a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University, found that venting about your problems doesn’t do much to reduce your temper tantrums.
Researchers analyzed over 150 studies involving more than 10,000 participants and found that the most effective way to reduce anger is by lowering physiological arousal. In simple words, you refrain from activities that increase arousal.
The data from the study showed that people who resorted to venting, screaming, or indulging in intense activities did not feel better or relieved. The emotions intensified instead.
I think its really important to bust the myth that if youre angry you should blow off steam get it off your chest,” said the senior author Brad Bushman. He argued that there is “not a shred” of scientific theory to support the widespread theory.
Among the activities that increase arousal when you’re brimming with anger, running or jogging is considered the worst idea.
Despite what popular wisdom may suggest, even going for a run is not an effective strategy because it increases arousal levels and ends up being counterproductive,” said Brad.
Yoga and meditation make a huge difference
Unlike the effect running or swimming could have on you when angry, arousal-decreasing activities can have a calming effect.
Practices such as deep breathing, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and meditation are shown to reduce anger. Scientists spotted one form of exercise most effective in regulating emotions, which can be done at home.
It was really interesting to see that progressive muscle relaxation and just relaxation in general might be as effective as approaches such as mindfulness and meditation, Kj�rvik said.
She continued: “And yoga, which can be more arousing than meditation and mindfulness, is still a way of calming and focusing on your breath that has a similar effect in reducing anger.”
