Self Improvement
Why Writing Down Your Thoughts Can Help You Relax When Angry
Angry thoughts arise, Pour them onto the paper’s blank slate, Serenity restored.
Whatever the source, anger arises in all its hot intensity demanding an outlet before it boils over. But lashing out often makes things worse rather than better. So what to do?
New research shows that putting pen to paper is one of the single best acts to relax yourself from anger. Here’s a deep dive explaining why it’s better to write down to relax yourself from anger and how to tap this power on both good days and bad.
How Writing Unlocks Anger Relief
First, understand that anger serves an important purpose. It alerts us to offenses, energizes us to address wrongs, and prepares us to stand firm for our boundaries and convictions. Studies reveal embracing emotions like anger leads to better mental and even physical health over time rather than simply suppressing reactions.
There are clear reasons why it’s better to write down to relax yourself from anger rather than let fury pour out through a screaming match or act of violence. Putting emotions into words requires reflection which activates the logical parts of the brain. This allows the raw intensity of anger to cool so we can access wisdom and perspective.
Now that the reasons why it’s better to write down to relax yourself from anger are clearer, what’s the best way to start writing when fuming strikes?
Anger Writing Tips and Journal Prompts
Here are helpful writing tips and quick journal prompts for defusing anger through writing regularly:
- Set a 5–10 Minute Timer: Knowing you need only write for a few minutes lowers the barrier to start. And urgency created by a timer opens expression floodgates fast once the pen hits paper.
- Start With “I Feel” Statements: Launch straight into anger territory with simple sentences like “I feel disrespected when you don’t listen to me!” Consider several rounds of one-line emotional statements before explaining further.
- Ask “What if?”: Vent hurt underneath anger by asking “What if they never apologize? What if people always act this way? What if things never change?” Exploring feared possibilities often relieves anger simply by acknowledging them.
- Describe Future Solutions: Venting is productive but risks leaving you stuck rehashing what can’t be changed about the past triggering incident. So reframe parts of the writing to clarify how to prevent future anger rather than just purge this episode.
- Use Writing To Prepare: Being caught off guard intensifies anger so use writing to equip yourself for anger-prone situations by scripting how to firmly but calmly address similar triggers expected in upcoming events.
The next time someone cuts you off driving or the boss unfairly calls you out, don’t bottle up fury or react impulsively. Instead, embrace the power writing wields to relax yourself from anger productively.
“This story is written by M Aslam Waheed. Follow me on LinkedIn, facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram.”
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