1 July 2025
When was the last time you had a good cry—or let out a hearty laugh that left your cheeks sore? Believe it or not, those seemingly small emotional releases could be doing more for your body than you'd think. We often separate emotional and physical health like they’re in different galaxies. But here’s the twist: they’re deeply intertwined.
Let’s dive into how expressing what you feel can actually translate into better overall physical health. Spoiler alert: this might just be the permission slip you need to stop bottling it all up.
It could be screaming into a pillow (we’ve all been there), journaling your frustrations, or straight-up telling your friend that you’re not okay. It doesn’t matter how it comes out—what matters is that it does.
Let’s unpack that a little: When we suppress our emotions, we’re basically putting them into storage… with no return policy. Over time, that emotional baggage weighs down, leading to extended stress, anxiety, and even physical illness.
Think of it like shaking a soda bottle and never opening it. At some point, it’s going to explode—and probably make a mess.
Expressing stress through writing, talking, or even crying can help dial down those stress hormones. It's like deflating a balloon before it pops.
🧠 Fun Fact: Studies suggest that people who openly talk about what they feel have lower cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone) compared to those who keep it all in.
So, yeah, talking about your bad day could actually be saving your immune system.
When you suppress your feelings long-term, your body doesn’t just forget them. They stew in your system, weakening your immune response over time.
Research shows that people who practice emotional expression—like writing about traumatic experiences or engaging in therapy—tend to have higher white blood cell counts. These are the little soldiers of your immune system. The more there are, the better your body can fight off illness.
Basically, being emotionally honest is like sending your immune system to the gym.
Chronic emotional suppression has been linked to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Ever notice how your heart races when you're upset but trying to pretend everything's fine?
Yep, your body knows you're lying. And it doesn’t like it.
On the flip side, people who are emotionally expressive tend to have better heart health. Their resting heart rate is lower, and their cardiovascular system is more resilient. So, letting it all out might just be the best thing you can do for your ticker.
It’s like carrying two backpacks—one with physical pain and one with emotional baggage. Drop the emotional one, and the other becomes way easier to carry.
Expressing how you feel doesn't erase pain, but it changes how you experience it. And sometimes, that’s everything.
Your gut and brain are connected via the vagus nerve, a direct hotline between your tummy and your thoughts. When you're stressed or emotionally blocked, your digestive system feels it. Cue: IBS, bloating, acid reflux, or a general gut-wrenching feeling.
Studies show that emotional expression can lead to better digestion and reduced symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Think of it as emotional fiber for your digestive health.
Let it out, and your stomach will thank you.
This is your ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions—and to recognize and influence the emotions of others. High EQ means you're better at expressing emotions in a way that's productive, not destructive.
Think of EQ as the GPS for your emotional road trip. You’re still expressing, but now you know where you’re going.
There’s no shame in needing help. In fact, it’s one of the healthiest expressions of all—saying, “I can’t do this alone.”
Bottom line? Feel your feelings and let them be felt.
Next time someone asks how you’re doing, maybe don’t default to “I’m fine.” Say what’s real. Your body is listening—and it’ll thank you for it.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Emotional ExpressionAuthor:
Paulina Sanders