Each time a painful
emotion is felt, it provides an opportunity. How?
Pain
gives us the gift of growth in a hidden package. Something is shouting out for
a change.
If we pause and open this gift, a
great secret of freedom and love can be revealed. Sometimes when the pain is
large enough, we have no choice but to look at it anyway. My largest pains have
helped to open the greatest growths in my life. Hey,
it’s worth a shot, right?
Finding a healthy way to vent can even help to
relieve anxiety, something more and more of us are suffering from in these
times. Those who don’t find a healthy way of venting often stuff it inside
until they explode one day or get into the habit of finding ways to numb
themselves, such as eating.
Frustration is considered a secondary emotion of
anger. Emotions tell us things about our situation and anger means that action
needs to be taken or something needs to be corrected. When things don’t go out
way, we get worked up and when we’re worked up and have nowhere to put hat
energy, frustration builds.
Ways to Vent Your Frustrations
1. Recognizing triggers and finding alternatives
This is one of the techniques which will help you decrease
your frustration or anger very easily. For instance, if your daily commute
turns you into ball of rage and frustration, try finding an alternative route
or leaving earlier for work. The basic idea here is to understand the
things that trigger your anger. Once you are aware of what they are, you can
take steps to avoid them.
2.
Cry
It can help wonders on freeing up the stored up energy
inside that is too much to contain within. While crying you can connect with
the pain you feel and cry into it. Additionally, if you are shy to cry in front
of anyone, cry to yourself; lock yourself in a bathroom and let the emotions
leave your body.
3.
Write
Writing can help clear the overwhelming information in your
head. More than often the things you are feeling seem waay big in your head
than on paper. Writing will provide a great clarity that other ways may not
give. You can easily reflect on what you were feeling in the situation.
4.
Exercise
Running, boxing, hitting the gym and walking all allow great
ways to vent. This allows you to direct your energy towards your physical
fitness and lets the anger flow through your body and cools you down. Plus
getting in shape can’t be that bad, right?
5.
Talk
Let me give you an example:
One woman told
me the story of a nurse who rode the bus every day. She found a way to let go
of anger immediately. She did not direct it at her family or others. Instead,
she got on the bus and waited for a passenger to sit near. She’d ask if they
minded listening to her and if not, she’d share her dilemma. Once she’d talked
it out, she’d thank them and get off the bus. Often times, we can learn so much
just by hearing ourselves speak and we don’t need much feedback at all. If you
have a trusted confident or teacher, even better.
6.
Practice
meditation
It helps you balance your emotions and avoid acting
impulsively.
7.
Pet an animal
Research shows that petting a dog lowers stress hormone
cortisol and between people and dogs actually increases levels of the feel good
hormone Oxytocin.
8.
Focus on what you appreciate
Instead of dwelling on your day’s misfortunes, try
refocusing on the things that went well. try finding the silver lining of your
day.
9.
Check in on your expectations
Unrealistic expectations create dissatisfaction, so be
mindful on what you expect from people.
10.
Make a list of your stressors
It is similar to identifying the stressors that make your
angry or frustrated. Finding ways to avoid them will help.
11.
Talk to a therapist or seek help
It’s totally normal and healthy to feel upset an angry from
time to time. But if you can’t shake a bad mood or constantly feel overwhelmed
by anger, it might be time to ask for help.
If your anger is impacting your relationships and
well-being, talking with a qualified therapist can help you work through the sources of
your anger and help you develop better coping tools.
