Shredding Away Anger: The Power of Physical Discardance to Calm the Mind

Researchers from the University of Nagoya in Japan have discovered a simple method to reduce anger caused by insults or negative incidents. By writing down your reaction on a piece of paper and then shredding it or throwing it away, the feeling of anger can be reduced significantly. This method has been proven to almost completely eliminate anger, surprising even the researchers themselves.

Studies have shown that interactions with physical objects can control a person’s mood, and the same applies to managing anger. Techniques for controlling emotions can be challenging to remember when angry, but this simple method has shown promising results in reducing anger.

In a study conducted by the researchers, volunteers wrote opinions on social issues and were given insulting feedback. Those who threw away or shredded the paper containing their thoughts experienced a significant decrease in anger levels, while those who kept the paper only had a minor decrease in anger.

This discovery may explain the Japanese cultural tradition of hakidashisara, where individuals break disks representing things that upset them. By purging or getting rid of negative thoughts in physical form, individuals may experience a sense of relief similar to that observed in the study.

Overall, this research provides practical benefits for managing anger and sheds light on cultural practices that involve purging negative emotions. The simple act of writing down your thoughts and then discarding them physically can be a powerful tool in reducing feelings of anger and frustration.