Writing Down and Discarding Angry Thoughts Helps Neutralize Anger, Study Finds

A Japanese study demonstrates that writing down negative feelings and then disposing of the paper significantly reduces anger levels.

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan conducted a study showing that disposing of written negative thoughts can effectively neutralize anger.
Participants who threw away or shredded their written feelings experienced a return to normal anger levels, while those who kept the notes remained angry.
The technique is rooted in the Japanese tradition of hakidashisara, where physical destruction of objects symbolizes the release of negative emotions.
The study suggests practical applications for anger management in stressful environments like the workplace.
This method could provide a simple and immediate way to manage anger, potentially reducing negative consequences in personal and professional settings.