Misery loves company. It also loves being shared. Everyone loves a good rant session. Social media has made it rewarding to go online to rant about anything. However, social media algorithms just push posts that are meant to be provocative rather than cathartic. In real life, you don’t want to offend your friends or force them into arguments when ranting. You want your friends to side with you. However, according to Brad Bushman, a communications professor speaking to Time, this kind of ranting may not be helpful. Others may think otherwise and this is known as the catharsis theory.
The catharsis theory and the problems with it
The catharsis theory purports that letting go of negative emotion by expressing it can reduce psychological suffering. However, expressing rage or frustration by punching something or yelling can lead to more aggression. As a result, extra anger leads to more mental health problems.
Ranting can lead to poorer mental health. According to Psychology Today, ranting can provide short-term benefits but only leads to long-term issues. Whether it’s ranting to your friends or on social media, ranting provides a momentary reprieve. When you give in to venting and expressing your anger in explosive ways, you’re more likely to remain in a negative emotional cycle. Anger isn’t effective as a tool for catharsis.
It’s understandable to need ranting when you’re in a toxic situation. If you have a job with an impossible boss or coworker, needing a few minutes of the day to yell can feel relieving. Careers: How To Deal With A Toxic Job When You Can’t Leave
Unfortunately, it creates a cycle where you feel that the only way you can manage your frustration is by giving in to anger. Anger can have negative effects on your mental health. Mental Health UK says it leads to depression, anxiety and self-harm. It can also exacerbate physical conditions like high blood pressure, stroke and gastrointestinal problems.
Anger is just as serious a mental health condition as depression and anxiety. When you constantly resort to ranting to manage any issues, you may have an anger problem. Not seeing it as one could make you less likely to seek support. In addition, it increases the risk of impulsive outbursts which can cost you your job or relationships. So how can you rant healthily?
Health: Medical Reasons Why You May Be Irritable And Angry All The Time
How to use ranting to reduce anger
Sometimes you do need to have that outburst and failing to address it can be just as damaging as being violently angry. There are ways to rant better. It’s also gratifying to have your feelings validated by friends or strangers on the internet. It may not be as healing as meditation or narrative framing to help you navigate your emotions but there are times you can’t help it.
Avoiding ranting doesn’t mean that your feelings aren’t valid. It also doesn’t mean that you avoid what’s making you angry. It is a good thing to get things off your chest. When you don’t have the power to change things, it may feel like expressing your anger is your only power. Why Anger Can Be A Good Thing – How You Can Use It In A Healthy Way
This is how you can make sure ranting isn’t as damaging to your health.
1. Avoid mean-spirited ranting
When you’re complaining about someone who is frustrating you, don’t resort to calling them names or making fun of their appearance. For instance, if your issue is a nosy mother-in-law, don’t talk about how she looks like the evil queen from Snow White. It doesn’t help you move on or navigate the negativity. It makes you stew in your rage instead of addressing the situation or healing. Try to focus on the specific issue that made you upset rather than the person’s appearance.
2. Limit your venting to a minute
Whether you’re yelling into the void or to a friend willing to listen, you should time yourself to a minute. Set a timer and keep to within those sixty seconds and cut yourself off at the end. Don’t yell again for the rest of the day. You’ll feel better without succumbing to anger.
3. Laugh
Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Detach any thoughts of propriety and just laugh at the situation. It can give you a freeing feeling and helps minimize the situation, at least visually, into something manageable. You can also record yourself ranting and laugh at the rant itself.
4. Eat
A rant can help you manage your anger momentarily but your mood can also be affected by a lack of eating. When you feel like you may need a rant, especially when your environment isn’t particularly upsetting, you may just need a snack. Instead of blowing up at your partner because you found an errant sock when they usually don’t make a mess, try reaching for an apple or a cup of yoghurt before you gear up your lungs for a shouting match.
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Check out
Why Anger Can Be A Good Thing – How You Can Use It In A Healthy Way
Health: Medical Reasons Why You May Be Irritable And Angry All The Time
Parenting: How To Teach Children Anger Management
Anger Management: Tips To Tame Your Temper
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