Healthy Ways to Release Anger

When frustration boils over, it’s helpful to have healthy ways to let off some steam. Typical movie scenes portray screaming into a pillow or a boxing class montage with the understanding that the punching bag is a placeholder for all that rage.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go to a wreck room (also known as a rage room). For those unfamiliar, it’s a small room with various breakables and weapons like bats and sledge hammers. You can throw things at the floor and walls. You can bring your own playlist to amp yourself up. And you get a set amount of time to let the catharsis flow. It is magic.

This prompted me to think about other healthy alternatives to release anger and frustration. Here’s a short list of some good contenders.

Options involving your words:

For some, writing out grievances can help to organize and process overwhelming feelings. Others may find venting out loud to be helpful in a similar way. When all else fails, using volume (such as screaming at the top of your lungs) or curating a creative string of curse words could be assistive. Don’t’ believe me? There is research that shows how swearing helps with pain tolerance and decreased pain perception compared with not swearing.

Options involving your body:

Physical release is a solid option. Going for a run and leaving it all out on the pavement can be a great way to burn off steam. If you’re not a runner, choosing other laborious activities (such as vigorous cleaning) can act similarly. If your anger is more deflating than enraging, consider unplugging or being alone. Try for a good cry by watching something sad. Not sure what to watch? The internet is there for you. There are compilations of “try not to cry challenges” that just might do the trick.