We've all been there at some point and vented our frustrations with someone or something to whomever is willing to listen, but is that actually something we should be doing or more like something we should avoid doing for our own wellness?
Of course, it's not as cut and dry as that. Venting isn't inherently bad but it can be if done wrong.
If used to blow off some steam for a few minutes, it's ok - better that than bottle it all up! But if this becomes your only strategy for getting out frustrations or stress then you will be doing yourself a disservice.
If you vent to someone who colludes with you in your angst and does not help you see the wider picture, then this sort of behaviour will shift your focus to the negatives, making it harder to be positive and find positives about a situation in the long-term. This is not something you want if you care about your wellbeing.
That being said, venting can allow social bonding to occur, such as in a workplace, but again, not in excess otherwise you're breeding negativity and that environment will soon start to feel oppressive.
So how to vent well? Vent to someone who is unbiased if you can or at least someone who will help you see the bigger picture of what's going on and help you actually problem solve so that you can DO something constructive about whatever it is that is frustrating or stressing you in the first place.
Alternatively, you may look at ways to manage stress in general and assess the balance of your life and where your energy is going. Practising gratitude regularly will also help to build your resiliency as you are more able to find positive solutions.
I hope that this helps you figure out what place venting has in your life and how you can make it worth-while.
Authenticity, Balance, Love,
Sophie xox
Comments