UNITED STATES—How does one handle their emotions without allowing them to explode in their face?  Many theorize discussing how you feel as a suitable outlet for getting things off your chest, but I’m not so certain that is the best solution. Seeing a therapist might allow an individual to sort through the things that are transpiring in their life, but I believe it only causes problems to arise even more.

My belief is the more that you discuss something, the more your emotions about that particular issue is discussed, the more it festers inside you. Getting it off your chest actually keeps the problem on your mind. The more you think about something the more it stays with you no matter how much you attempt to rid yourself of it.  It’s like staring at a blank sheet of paper; continuing to stare at that paper will not place words on the paper, action must be taken.

So why has this idea come to fruition? Well people come to me time and time again with their problems. Yes, I have a degree in psychology, but I’m not a therapist or a psychiatrist. I do not want to solve another individual’s problems, heck the more I hear of people’s issues it forces me to clam up more. I just let them talk and talk and talk, and I just sit there and listen. Is this the smartest thing to do? In my opinion (yes for them), but no for me.

It’s not a wise thing to dose advice because you have the ability to do so. It’s important to allow someone to come to grips with what they’re telling you. You’re the voice of reason, as some call it, but your advice can force someone to make decisions without carefully thinking them through. People do it all the time, and when the situation doesn’t turn out the way that they expected, they choose to point the finger at the individual who gave the advice. So here’s a solution, talk about your problems, but consider other outlets as a way of dealing with things.

I think one of the healthiest forms of releasing frustration or heightened emotions is exercise. I know what you’re thinking, hitting a punching bag? Nope, it’s whatever form of exercise that allows you to relax. Rather it’s a walk, a bicycle ride, jumping jacks, pushups, the treadmill, weight lifting or the elliptical. Do what allows you to calm your nerves first and foremost.

By taking that energy and using it towards something that is beneficial to the body, it takes your mind off the current issue. Remember the more you think about something, the more it continues to eat away at you. If exercise is not your cup of tea, take some downtime with your favorite hobby.

Watching sports, a movie, TV, reading a book or something outdoors that brings a smile to your face. There are many outlets to battle your inner demons than just getting things off your chest. It has nothing to do with keeping things bottled up, by taking your energy and directing it elsewhere, you’re actually allowing your body and mind to counter the emotions you’re feeling and reflecting on the issue at hand.

By Trevor Roberts