Shout, shout, let it all out

Here's an insightful and enjoyable way to explore your psyche and vent a little tension at the end of a tough month, week or day.

First, find yourself a private space to watch Tears for Fears.

Now shout, shout, let it all out: what are the things you could do without? 

Grab a scrap of paper and start writing down the things you could do without. You'll find yourself stimulated by your own words to think of other things, other stuff you don't want, don't like, can't stand, even hate. 

Fine, scribble away.

How's it going? How do you feel now - vented? Released? Or still knotted up, twisted out of shape?

Come on, I'm talking to you, come on.

If it all gets too much, take a break. Set your list aside to ferment for a while - as long as it takes. There's no rush. You're the boss. 

If you are so inclined, come back later to tidy up your list and make sense of it. How you do that is up to you. For me, it's mind-mapping, grouping things together, drawing links and doodling. I'll show you mine - well an uncontroversial snippet anyway ...

When you're ready, fully vented, destroy that bit of paper. Let it go, or maybe rip it up and start again.

PS  I found this stress-relief mechanism helpful in the early days of COVID, during our first lockdown.