Let the Vapors Out: Why it's better to let off steam than explode For generations, we have been obsessed with the idea that venting goo...

Let the Vapors Out: Why it's better to let off steam than explode

For generations, we have been obsessed with the idea that venting good feelings is the key to releasing pent-up anger. We've seen it in movies, heard it from angry friends, and maybe even felt it ourselves - the urge to scream, yell, and throw things to get rid of our anger and feel better. But surprising new research suggests that this blanket approach may actually be counterproductive.

Catharsis: A Flawed Theory

The concept of catharsis, releasing anger through expression, has been around for centuries. But recent research by psychologists such as Brad Bushman of Iowa State University challenges this belief. Their study found that aggressive expressions of anger, such as yelling or hitting something, did not actually reduce anger. In fact, it might even make you angry.

Imagine this. You're late for an important meeting because of traffic. Your frustration will grow and you may start honking your horn and yelling at other drivers (or even yelling at the steering wheel). Bushman's research suggests the outbreak may not put you at ease. Instead, it strengthens your brain's anger response, making you more likely to react in a similar way in the future.

Why abdicating responsibility is counterproductive

So why doesn’t the “let it go” approach work?

Here are two main reasons:

Make a fire An explosion can be like pouring gasoline on a fire. Expressing anger aggressively can actually increase emotional arousal, making it more difficult to calm down. Train your brain. Reacting aggressively is essentially training your brain to associate anger with that behavior. Over time, this can lead to aggressive reactions becoming a coping mechanism, leading to a cycle of anger and frustration. Alternatives to Rage Rooms

So what do you do when you get angry? Here are some healthier ways to manage your emotions:

Take your time.

Give yourself time to calm down before reacting. Take a deep breath, go for a walk, or listen to calming music.

Know your triggers.

What causes anger?

Thinking about the situation can help you develop strategies to avoid similar triggers in the future.

Communicate assertively:

Once you've calmed down, try to express your feelings clearly and politely. Focus on solving the problem. Instead of dwelling on your anger, turn your attention to finding a solution to the situation that caused your anger. Remember that anger is a normal human emotion. The important thing is to learn how to cope in a healthy way without causing harm to yourself or others. By eliminating angry outbursts and adopting healthier coping mechanisms, you can control your anger and more easily deal with life's disappointments.