The Power of Screaming

Everyone does it or has done it. Usually, it's because you're hurt. Or someone's pissed you off. Screaming is a great way of letting off steam. It doesn't matter who you are, a good scream once in a while is healthy, I've found.

The idea of letting off steam is okay and people have different ways of doing just that. For example, some go to the gym. A healthy workout relaxes some people. Also, I must admit that hitting something, in this case a punching bag, sounds appealing. But the thing is, there is no way in hell I'm going to do something which is going to wear me out just because I'm pissed. I come back from the gym not as angry as before, yes, but with pain in my joints and muscles. In the long run, THAT might actually piss me off. I prefer screaming. Not at someone, no. At nobody in particular, preferably with no one present.

Screaming is especially useful when the person you're pissed at is actually yourself. Being pissed at yourself means that your mind is cursing you out and you're trying to keep it under control but you can't because your own mind telling you what a screw-up you are, when it fact IT comes up with the ideas, is just plain irritating. So here's what you do; if you're indoors, cover your mouth with something to muffle the scream. It still counts, believe me. As long as the sound is released, stifled only by that pillow across your lips, then you're screaming. You will feel better afterwards. It's like your mind has made some room for even more junk to go in later. The pressure is temporarily eased, up until the next crisis. If you think you cannot do the indoor thing, I have another suggestion. Get into your car, drive for a minute, crank up the volume of your car stereo and then scream your lungs out. Most people won't hear you and those that do will be too annoyed by your loud stereo to give a rat's ass about why your face is contorted and your mouth is open.

Screaming is great release therapy. If you haven't tried it yet, you don't know what you're missing.

van Daks.

How NOT to go berserk

1. Count from 1 to 10. Backwards. Slowly. Repeat as often as necessary.
2. Music. Works better when alone. Also depends on the type of music. Works wonders, but it takes time to calm you down. Ineffective in the heat of the moment.
3. Laugh. Even when you're really pissed, a bout of laughter either calms YOU down or it makes your aggressor think you're crazy and they leave you alone.
4. Have a drink. My favourite. Numbs the anger and by the time you get drunk, you're usually free of anger. Be warned, though; it actually might fuel anger in some people. Addictive too.
5. Automatic switch. This takes a while to master. When someone pisses you off, adjust your mind; think happy thoughts. It can be a lovely place or your favourite person. Especially works if you have a very loving girlfriend. Ineffective if the favourite person is the one that's pissed you off.
6. Get laid. Nothing eases your mind better than a great roll in the hay. Works really well with someone you can lay back and talk silly stuff with in between rounds. And someone you don't have to pay afterwards.
7. Write sh*t down. It's surprising how calming this is. It works very well. Exhibit A.
8. Curse. Whenever you're pissed, use cuss words as a mantra. Works better when you're alone so people around you don't get offended. 'Sonofabitch' is my favourite.
9. Sleeping pills. Calm you down quicker than most ways. Highly addictive. Not recommended.
10. Kill people IN YOUR HEAD. Also works wonders. Murder whoever pisses you off. Your mind is at ease and you don't get to go to jail afterwards. Only in your head, mind. In some people, this might get out of control.

I've found that these work most of the time. Or maybe that's just me. Feel free to add any I may have missed. And no "seeing a shrink," damn you.

van Daks.