Stress is a common and exhausting problem, and as a result, people are continually looking for ways to reduce their stress levels. We are always asked to recommend stress management strategies and techniques. Each time our response is the same; confession.
Recent research supports the old adage that confession is good for the soul. However, before you rush to your local church for confession, let’s consider what this means.
Talking about the soul leads us into a metaphysical minefield. So we’re saying confession is good for your mood.
However, while venting all the truths you’ve been dying to tell may be good for you, I must advise you to exercise a bit of caution. Many political careers have been ruined by uncontrolled encounters with the truth! Also, if you find yourself under police questioning, it’s probably best to stick to the truth; although you may want to see a lawyer first, especially if he is a politician…
If I’m not advising full confessions, what am I talking about? It’s about bringing your hopes, fears, and concerns to light.
Opening up is a difficult step for many people as they have to admit two important things:
1. There is a problem.
2. They should do something about it.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people don’t even make it to stage one. They hope the problem will go away so they don’t have to deal with it. Sometimes they bottle it up inside, hoping they can figure it out. But this often ends badly.
Once we have admitted these two things, we must try to frame them. Framing a problem so someone else can understand it is a great way to focus our minds on a particular problem. If a problem is clearly stated, it may be easier to find a solution.
Then comes the question of who is venting…
The top of the tree are psychiatrists. Being the most qualified they are the most expensive. That reminds me of an old joke…
“I went to the psychiatrist because I was a little nutty and now I’m completely screwed!”
Then we have the counselors. He can happily fold his ear for a modest fee while airing his problems. Non-professionals can include family or friends, although a note of caution here might scare them off.
I think the best tools you can use to unload your stress are a pen and some paper. I use a stress journal and write down all the things that stress me out. Instead of having a psychiatrist take notes at an exorbitant hourly rate, I do it myself.
This is how you do it:
Sit somewhere comfortable with a pen and paper. Make sure you have a few sheets of paper; you won’t want to be without them when you’re in full flow. Also use a sturdy ballpoint pen instead of a fountain pen or pencil. It can get a bit hot and you want it to last the entire session.
Write down everything that is playing on your mind or “stressing” you. If you’ve had a lousy day, say so. Nobody is going to see what you have written, so do it! Don’t worry about spelling and grammar. It’s not an essay, so no one is going to grade it.
If thoughts come faster than you can write, speed up your writing instead of slowing down your stress release. Use abbreviations, scribble and scribble!
If people have caused you pain, stress, or discomfort, say so. Call them by every name under the sun if that will help you download.
When you have finished, do not read what you have written, that is to dwell in the past. Tear everything up and throw it in the trash. Think of it as breaking your stress into pieces. Roll it up into a tight ball and then throw it away along with your stress. You will be surprised how good you will feel.
It may sound crazy, but it works, try it.