Stress is an exhausting and common problem, and as a result, people continually look for ways to reduce their stress levels. We are always asked to recommend stress management strategies and techniques. Each time our response is the same; confession.

Recent research supports the old adage that confession is good for the soul. However, before you rush to your local church for confession, let’s consider what this means.

Talking about the soul leads us into a metaphysical minefield. So we’re saying that confession is good for your state of mind.

However, while venting all the truths you’re dying to tell may be good for you, I must advise a little caution. Many political careers have been ruined by runaway encounters with the truth! Also, if you find yourself under police questioning, it’s probably best to stick to the truth; although you may want to see a lawyer first, especially if he is a politician…

If I’m not advising full confessions, what am I talking about? It’s about bringing your hopes, fears and worries to light.

Opening up is a difficult step for many people, as they have to admit two important things:

1. There is a problem.

2. They should do something about it.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people don’t even make it to stage one. They wait for the problem to go away so they don’t have to deal with it. Sometimes they bottle it inside, hoping they can solve it. But this often ends badly.

Once we have admitted these two things, we must try to frame them. Posing a problem so that another can understand it is a great way to focus our minds on a particular problem. If a problem is clearly stated, it may be easier to find a solution.

Then comes the question of who vents…

The top of the tree is psychiatrists. Being the most qualified, they are the most expensive. That reminds me of an old joke…

“I went to a shrink because I was a little crazy and now I’m completely broke!”

Then we have the counselors. He can happily bend your ear for a modest fee while you air his troubles. Non-professionals may include family or friends, though a note of caution here might scare them away.

I think the best tools you can use to unload your stress are a pen and some paper. I use a stress journal and write down all the things that stress me out. Instead of having a psychiatrist take notes at an exorbitant hourly rate, I do it myself.

This is how you do it:

Sit somewhere comfortable with a pen and paper. Make sure you have a few sheets of paper; You don’t want to be without them when you’re in full flow. Also use a sturdy ballpoint pen instead of a fountain pen or pencil. It can get a little hot and you want it to last through the session.

Write down everything that is playing on your mind or “stressing” you out. If you’ve had a lousy day, say so. No one is going to see what you’ve written, so just do it! Don’t worry about spelling and grammar. It’s not an essay, so no one is going to grade it.

If the thoughts come faster than you can write, speed up your writing instead of slowing down the release of stress. Use abbreviations, scribble and scribble!

If people have caused you pain, stress, or annoyance, say so. Call them by every name under the sun if that will help you download.

When you have finished do not read what you have written, that is dwelling in the past. Break everything and throw it away. Think of it as breaking your stress to pieces. Throw it into a tight ball and then throw it away along with your stress. You will be surprised how good you will feel.

It may sound crazy, but it works, give it a try.