Jogging to blow off steam could actually make you angrier, according to new Ohio State University study
After a nightmare day at the office, you’d think that going for a jog would be the perfect way to let off steam.
But surprisingly, a gentle run can actually make you feel more enraged, according to a study.
US researchers analysed more than 150 tests involving over 10,000 participants to get to the bottom of what works best to reduce anger.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.They found that decreasing “physiological arousal” — in other words, turning down the heat — is best at calming people down.
Examples included practising deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga or even just counting to ten.
But some activities such as jogging or “venting” made people even angrier.
Author Brad Bushman, professor of communication at Ohio State University, said: “I think it’s really important to bust the myth that if you’re angry you should blow off steam.
“Despite what popular wisdom may suggest, even going for a run is not an effective strategy because it increases arousal levels and ends up being counterproductive.”
However, the analysis published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review found that other physical activities, such as playing ball sports, were effective at decreasing anger levels.
