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Going for a run, taking a few deep breaths, or even screaming into a pillow are proven strategies for coping with anger.
But the best thing you can do is write your reaction on a piece of paper and then throw it in the trash, according to new research.
In fact, the method is so effective that it eliminates feelings of anger “almost completely,” scientists found.
The team, from Nagoya University in Japan, recruited participants who were asked to write a short opinion piece on important social issues.
They were told that their writing would be evaluated. However, no matter what they wrote, they all received insulting and negative comments and scored low on intelligence, interest, logic, and rationality.
After receiving these negative comments, participants were asked to write their thoughts on a piece of paper.
The best way to deal with anger is to write your reaction on a piece of paper and throw it in the trash, scientists say (File Image)
The method is so effective that it eliminates feelings of anger “almost completely”, according to a study (File image)
One group was asked to throw the paper in the trash or save it in a file on their desk. A second group was asked to put the document in a shredder or a clear plastic box.
The analysis revealed that while everyone reported a higher level of anger after receiving insulting comments, participants who threw away or shredded their written thoughts quickly returned to their initial calm state.
Meanwhile, participants who kept a printed copy of the insult experienced only a small decrease in their overall anger.
Lead researcher Nobuyuki Kawai said: “We expected our method to suppress anger to some extent.”
“However, we were surprised that anger was almost completely eliminated.”
The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, build on previous work showing how interactions with physical objects can control a person’s mood.
The team said their research could help office workers who find themselves in stressful situations.
“This technique could be applied in the moment, writing down the source of anger, like making a note and then throwing it in the trash when you feel angry in a business situation,” Mr. Kawai said.