Talking and Listening – How Venting Can Help You Reduce and Manage Stress
Have you ever noticed that certain actions tend to make you feel better? No- I’m not talking about that tack that was ‘misplaced’ and left on your annoying co-worker’s chair. What I’m talking about are other forms of expression such as venting. Telling your spouse about a long day at work or complaining to a good friend about how your dog chewed up your new pair of shoes are good examples.
As is often the case, words have power. In the case of speaking, it’s the power to make you feel better while acting as a form of stress relief. In fact, a study about disclosing traumas found that doing so benefitted the mind and body in many ways. When you express your problems and negative emotions to someone you trust, you not only reduce stress but also boost your immune system and decrease both physical and emotional pain [1]. For many, it may come as a surprise to learn that simply talking about our problems can help us heal.
So, the next time you hear a coworker complaining about an erroneously placed tack, consider taking a moment to listen to their woes. And if you’re feeling stressed, be sure to talk to a friend or a loved one and tell them about what’s going on in your life. Express yourself, let those negative emotions go, and you’ll be all the better for it.“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” [2]