Some people are really good at feelings: having them, expressing them, dealing with them, et cetera. Some people (like me) really aren't. "I like to bottle up my feelings and let them age like a fine wine," said Drake Harrison, a friend of mine, and don't so many of us feel this way? However, I've been told that bottling things up is "unhealthy" and that coming out of your shell is "important" and "helps" you "develop interpersonal relationships."
If you want to start to overcome your crippling fear of emotional intimacy, or if you just want to stop bottling stuff up generally, here are some good first steps, alternatives to finding another person and problem-vomiting all over them (unless that works for you, in which case, do it).
1. Write a letter
The written word is a good medium for expressing any feeling, and expressing it privately or publicly. If you're angry, write down everything you feel- even if it's mean or rude or petty- and then rip the letter up into pieces. If you're crushing on someone and can't tell them how you feel, just write a letter and squirrel it away. If you end up Jim-and-Pam-ing it, you can show your partner the letters (or don't, depending on how weird what you wrote was)! If you're sad, just write. Write everything. Side bonus: You'll improve your writing skills!
2. Dance
Or just generally get some exercise. If you're pissed off, especially, because more forceful movements can really help you release your pent-up rage in a constructive way. Don't overdo it and pull something though. Side bonus: physical health improved alongside mental and emotional health!
3. Listen to mood-relevant music
We should all know this trick by now. If you're sad, commiserating with sad music can actually improve your mood. If you're in love, listen to some love songs and think about the person you care about, or send your special person songs that remind you of them. Let the music say the things you can't. Side bonus: increase your music knowledge and rhythmic skills!
4. Yell
Especially if you're mad. Just go outside, or snuggle with a pillow, and just let it out. Especially if you're usually a very quiet person. Sometimes you just have to make the noise.
5. Pick up a hobby
Activities like knitting and sewing and making art, according to the mental floss article below, "boost your mental well-being" and give you something to focus on. Side bonus: you make cool stuff and gain a new skill!
6. Cry
The most obvious, but the most often fought. I personally hate crying, most of all if it's in front of other people, but I know that just letting the tears out is way easier and more comfortable than keeping them in. Go ahead and let yourself do it. Cry. It'll help.
