Everyone wants a better lifestyle, but is it really that easy? If you’re wanting to look and feel better, then the last thing you want to do is just hold everything in. Seriosuly, this is something that can’t be stressed enough, and it’s usually something that’s taught to us when we’re kids (or at least it’s supposed to be). Now, we’ve all been there, right? Pretending everything is fine when, in reality, we’re on the verge of an emotional meltdown. 

Nowadays, there are a lot of memes and jokes about it, you name it, but it’s not normal, and it’s not safe. Actually, it’s time to unpack why this habit of bottling it all up is awful and how embracing our emotions can lead to a happier, healthier life.

The Pressure Cooker Effect

So, just imagine your emotions as steam in a pressure cooker. At first, it’s manageable. But the longer you keep the lid on, the more pressure builds up. Eventually, if you don’t release it, BOOM! The same goes for your feelings. So, you have to understand that bottling them up doesn’t make them go away. Instead, they simmer and stew until they explode, often at the most inconvenient times. 

Just think about it: a minor annoyance at work or a disagreement with a friend suddenly turns into a full-blown argument. All those bottled-up emotions can turn molehills into mountains. That’s usually why it’s so pushed to have counselling services; these small things will have the power to just make you snap. But if you just let out these feelings in the first place, you would have never snapped at all. 

If you’re so used to bottling up everything, yes, there will eventually be this explosion, but a mental health professional will help you mitigate this; they will help you slowly release what’s been building up so slowly that you’ll stay safe and your mental health will stay safe in the whole process. 

Physical Health Takes a Hit

It’s not just your mental health that suffers when you keep your feelings under lock and key. Your physical health can take a real beating, too. And yes, this goes beyond aesthetics (like dark circles or thinning hair). How? Well stress from repressed emotions can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, and even chronic illnesses. 

Your body is pretty clever and tends to express what your mind tries to hide. Have you ever noticed how your back aches more when you’re stressed or how you get more colds when you’re feeling down? That’s your body waving a red flag, signalling that it’s time to deal with those pent-up feelings.

Relationships Suffer

When you bottle up your feelings, it’s not just you who suffers—your relationships do, too. Usually, people bottle up their feelings to be people pleasers and to maintain their relationships. But that’s not technically the case; it actually doesn’t work that way. Now, you need to understand that communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a partner, being open about your emotions builds trust and intimacy.