How To Tame Your Temper When You’re About To Lose It

Realize That Venting Is Only Going To Make Things Worse

Most of us have bought into the myth that venting is OK, or even healthy—that letting a little steam out of the kettle now prevents it from exploding later. And spending a few minutes venting to or about your spouse, child or boss sure does feel satisfying when we have steam coming out of our ears. But there’s a problem—it turns out that venting actually hurts instead of helps.

Neuroscientists such as Dr. Brad Bushman at Ohio State have discovered that expressing the anger we feel further activates an interconnected anger system in the brain and only makes the kettle boil that much more. So while we certainly can express anger any time we want to, the question is whether we should if we want to keep our temper in check and preserve a relationship, a job, or our sanity.