Stress relief: How to let go of anger or guilt

Do you have something on your mind that you just can't let go of - or you feel like it just won't let go of you?

Say there's someone who is annoying you so much that you can hardly keep your mouth closed. But you know if you say anything you'll do damage to a relationship you treasure.

Say you've done something you feel ashamed of - a big thing or a little thing, but it keeps eating at you.

Say you're completely angry with someone you dearly love - so angry that if you try to talk about it you know you'll say more than you mean and really hurt that person.

Say you're just mad at the world and yourself because you've taken on too many holiday projects and you feel worn out and unappreciated. You're doing what everyone else wants done and none of what you want to do, but you're committed because you said yes one too many times.

Here's a simple solution that you won't believe until you try it. It's called "Write and Burn."

Go into a room by yourself and write it all down. Holler, yell, curse, say every nasty thing you want to say - to yourself or to them. Write down how you really feel about the situation and don't leave anything out. Keep writing until you feel like you've said it all.

Then, stick the letter and a book of matches in your pocket and go somewhere that you can burn the thing. And burn it.

You will be amazed at the relief you'll feel. It's as if the burden lifts - you've said it all, gotten it all out in the open, and you can think about other things again.

If you live where you can't possibly burn the letter, there's an alternative that works almost as well.

Say it all in an email. After you write it, read it one more time, and then delete the whole thing. Be sure not to put a name in the send line - you wouldn't want to accidentally send these private thoughts out into cyberspace!