Written by: Dr. Mohita Shrivastava, Expert Contributor
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In today’s fast-paced world, many people are caught up in the relentless pursuit of fame, achievement, and material wealth. This drive can often lead to increased stress, anger, frustration, anxiety, depression, and even trauma. If left unchecked, these emotions can wreak havoc on the unconscious mind, leading to a whirlwind of emotional turmoil. According to Sigmund Freud, such emotional disturbances are either suppressed or repressed in our unconscious.
The process of releasing these unresolved conflicts is known as catharsis — a term that dates back to the ancient Greeks and the Freud-Breuer era. When done effectively, catharsis can not only release pent-up emotions but also bring about cognitive insights and positive change. So, what are some ways to vent emotions and release this emotional pressure?
Here are some ideas:
Music – Listening to music, especially sad songs when you’re feeling down, can help you feel less isolated or more understood. This simple act can open the door to more positive emotions.
Dancing and Playing an Instrument – Both dancing and learning to play a musical instrument are powerful ways to release emotional tension and enhance creativity.
Writing – Writing is widely recognised as a therapeutic outlet. Neuropsychologists and mental health professionals often recommend journaling, whether it’s about your own experiences, creative writing, or poetry, to express emotions through words and images.
Literature and Films – Sometimes, a book or article can express a feeling so clearly that it brings buried emotions to the surface. The same cathartic effect can happen when watching a well-acted film.
Exercise and Sport – Engaging in physical activity benefits the body and the mind. It improves the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, while helping to release stifled emotions.
Psychodrama – In psychodrama, participants act out difficult past events, which helps them experience and release those emotions.
Volunteering – Helping others in need can boost positive feelings and provide emotional relief.
Primal Therapy – This form of therapy allows individuals to express hidden emotions by directing their anger towards an imaginary parent or family member seated in an empty chair.
Psychotherapy – Under the guidance of a professional, reliving traumatic events in a therapeutic setting can offer emotional release and healing.
Spiritual and Religious Rituals – These practices can help individuals cope with mental and emotional challenges, providing comfort and support.
Humour – A good laugh, or even a good cry, can release pent-up emotions and provide catharsis in a natural and sometimes boisterous way.
Creating Art – Whether it’s splattering paint on a canvas or drawing a bold black line with charcoal, creating art can serve as a powerful emotional release.
Venting emotions can help us learn new skills, restructure our thoughts, and form new neural connections. It also revitalises us, boosts motivation, and enhances creativity. However, modern science suggests that, in some cases, catharsis can have harmful effects, particularly when it comes to managing anger and aggression. Simply "venting" without addressing the root causes of emotional pain may lead to psychological and psychosomatic issues, such as chronic pain, mood disorders, headaches, arthritis, and even cancer.
While catharsis is widely used in modern psychological interventions, especially in positive psychology, it’s not always the best solution. People often seek the most convenient way to regulate their emotions, but learning new skills or focusing on something else may not address the underlying problem. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide where and how to release their emotions in a healthy way.
For leaders recognising the importance of emotional well-being in both personal and professional contexts is essential. Encouraging employees to explore healthy emotional release methods can not only improve mental health but also enhance productivity and creativity within the workplace.
About the Author
Dr. Mohita Shrivastava is an award-winning internationally trained neuroscientist and neuropsychologist, she is the founder of the Cognitome Program. Dr. Shrivastava holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from AIIMS, New Delhi, India & completed her collaborative Ph.D. research training from Kansas University Medical Centre, Kansas, USA. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Biomedical Sciences from University of Delhi and other in Applied Clinical Psychology from Annamalai University. She also holds an Advanced PG Diploma in Applied Neuropsychology from University of Bristol, United Kingdom. She has also completed a refresher skill enhancement training on "fMRI in Neuroscience Research'' organised by MGH Athinuola Martino's Centre for Brain Imaging in collaboration with Harvard University, MIT, Massachusetts, Boston, USA in 2021.
She has been involved in neuroscience and neuropsychology teaching, research, projects & outreach, cognitive skills restructuring/training and brain, mind & behaviour, guidance, counselling for more than 12 years. She has also published various research & review articles in international peer reviewed journals.
For more information visit: https://cognitomeprogram.me/
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