3 Tools For Releasing Emotional Ties

We all tell ourselves stories about how well we handle emotions. Yet when things bubble up, most of us get stuck not knowing how to let them out or move on. This week on the podcast, I had an open chat about what it really means to let yourself feel. It opened my eyes to the small ways I hold back and the difference that releasing old emotions can make.

All that reflection led to three techniques, which, when practised regularly, help you let go of feelings you’ve been lugging around. They’re simple, but in the day-to-day rush, we forget them. Below is a quick summary of these approaches to emotional release. If you like what you read, the full episode player is at the top of this page—listening to the conversation can open up a few more insights.

The Magic of Emotional Release

Holding back our emotions is like walking around with a backpack full of rocks. You try to keep going, but the weight creeps up on you and drains your energy. It can also leave you feeling constantly on edge, uncertain why small moments tip you into stress mode.

Being willing to express yourself isn’t always easy. We pick up coping mechanisms—like bottling things up—when the world around us feels overwhelming. That bottled pressure leaks into our mood, our relationships, and even our work.

In this episode, I realised how critical it is to create a safe space without judgement. It doesn’t mean airing every thought, but rather noticing when you’re pushing something down. As one guest shared:

“If you don’t let it out, it settles in your body. Tension, headaches, and fatigue are your body’s way of saying ‘enough.’”

So this is more than just crying or screaming into a pillow. It’s about acknowledging the feelings, then choosing a healthy method of release.

Write to Release

First up is the classic but powerful technique: writing. Many of us try to keep diaries and fail, or we scribble a few words and forget. Yet daily writing—especially about how you feel—can work like a mental detox.

You don’t have to pour out a novel. A few sentences in a notebook can help you process thoughts swirling in your head. By putting worries, hopes, and doubts on paper, you might see them from another angle. That clarity can ease the tension you’re carrying.

Consider keeping a small journal handy. If you’re new to this, try these prompts:

• What emotion is strongest in me right now?
• When did I start feeling it?
• What do I think sparked it?

Jot down whatever answers pop up. Don’t worry about grammar or whether it makes sense. Write from your gut. You might find the act of writing uncovers a deeper story you’ve been telling yourself.

Move in the Moment

Nothing grounds us like movement. When you catch yourself in that wound-up state, get your body involved. It can be as simple as a quick walk, a stretch, or even some kitchen dancing. The shift in energy can unstick pent-up emotion.

I’ve learned that movement isn’t just about exercise, it’s about connecting with yourself. A walk around the block does more than burn calories. It helps you shake off the heaviness. If you prefer something more playful, put on a song you like and bounce around. The idea is to shift the energy so it’s not lodged in your head.

Most of us notice the power of dance in a good moment, but when we’re upset, we sit and stew. Next time you’re feeling off, get up. Jump, sway, or stretch. Use your body as a vent for that pressure. You’ll be surprised how refreshed you feel even after a few minutes.

Reflect and Connect

Emotions often slip into the background if we don’t voice them. Talking with a trusted friend or therapist can open a door to new perspectives. When you share, you realise you’re not the only one facing painful memories or complicated feelings.

This also includes reflecting on your own. Pause and ask, “What am I sensing in my body right now?” or “When did I last feel this way?” Naming the feeling helps loosen its grip. Sometimes a simple conversation with yourself is enough. Other times, you need a conversation with someone close. That connection echoes back empathy and reassurance.

In the episode, I dug into how sharing can be both scary and freeing. It takes courage to say, “I’m still hung up on something that happened years ago.” Yet it’s in opening up that the healing flows. When you feel understood, you stop battling the emotion alone. You can then acknowledge it, process it, and step forward with less baggage.

• No one is perfect at letting go. It’s a practice.
• Sharing your feelings—whether in writing or out loud—helps lighten the load.
• Movement disrupts the stressful feelings that build up in your body.
• A trusted listener can offer insights that journaling alone might not reveal.
• Each of these techniques feeds off the other. Combining them is powerful.

Feeling the benefits of emotional release isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s about using whatever methods click for you, then staying consistent with them. Once you sense it working, you’ll see just how much lighter life can be.

Thanks for reading, fellow explorers of the mind. If you want to dive deeper into these techniques and hear the raw conversation that sparked them, make sure you listen to the full episode. The player is right at the top, ready when you are. Give it a spin, and let’s keep growing together.