What happens when you suppress emotions?

Once an emotion has arisen, suppressing it is like trying to stop a volcanic eruption. An active emotion that is held back literally gets stuck in the body and affects it negatively: headaches appear, blood pressure rises, fatigue builds up.

The most toxic “stuck” emotions are anger and hurt. Prolonged tension can affect physical health, so it's important to give emotions an outlet.

Forced suppression of emotions: what to do?

Sometimes there's no way to release anger — at a manager, for example. Holding back is appropriate, but that doesn't mean collecting negativity. Give it a safe outlet:

1. Physical activity — sport, a long walk, yoga.
2. Keeping a journal — a good release after a busy day.
3. A creative hobby — singing, drawing and writing redirect emotions.
4. A heart-to-heart — a trusting talk with a friend or psychologist.

Learn to accept the full range of your emotions — they all matter, and then life becomes much easier.