Turning Anger into Calm: The Power of Writing Down and Disposing of Negative Thoughts

Researchers from the University of Nagoya have discovered that writing down and disposing of negative thoughts can almost completely eliminate anger. In a study, volunteers wrote brief opinions on social issues and received insulting comments in return, leading to increased anger for all participants. However, those who disposed of the written response showed a decrease in anger levels compared to those who kept the paper.

This practical discovery may be linked to the Japanese cultural tradition hakidashisara, where individuals break small disks to symbolize things that bother them and experience relief. The findings provide insight into how simple actions, such as writing and disposal, can help manage anger and improve emotional well-being. This method can be a useful tool in workplace and personal settings to reduce the impact of anger on interactions and relationships. By acknowledging the triggers of anger and proactively addressing them through writing and disposal, individuals can maintain a sense of calm and control in challenging situations.

Previous studies have shown that interactions with physical objects can influence mood and be useful in controlling emotions such as anger. The researchers believe that this method could be an effective way to prevent negative consequences caused by anger.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of taking time to process negative emotions like anger through simple actions such as writing down our thoughts and disposing of them. It also emphasizes the benefits of being proactive in managing our emotions to improve our emotional well-being in various settings.