🧠 Why Ranting (Done Right) Is Good for You

Jill Grumbache
Jun 1
2 min read

For most of last week, I'd been experiencing an annoyingly simmering sensation of irritation—a constant laboriously low vibration of vexation.

"WTF," I thought to myself. Which med has turned on me?

Somehow, I managed not to become completely unhinged, but I remained constantly on the edge of going full-on Jillasaurus Rex.

Then it dawned on me. It was anxiety... And I suddenly knew why.

I'd let myself absorb too much news about the latest relentless, exhausting, reality-warping chaos carousel inflicted upon us by the-president-who-shall-not-be-named (hereafter known as TPWSNBN).

I'd already lived through one term of his bonkers buffet. Didn't I learn? Sigh. Well, I immediately knew the antidote to this was a good rant. My journal pages turned blue (and I wasn't using blue ink).

But that still didn't seem enough. So, I threw caution to the wind and went public with a rant article for Substack (you can read it here if you want, as you may relate:

https://holisticjournaling.substack.com/p/the-last-gasp-of-justice-dignity)

So, let's get back to the title of this blog. Why is ranting good for us, and what does 'ranting done right' mean??? So, here we go...

1. Emotional Pressure Release Valve

Ranting gives voice to what’s simmering under the surface (without breaking your skin). Bottled frustration can lead to chronic stress, muscle tension, irritability, insomnia, and even physical illness. Writing (or speaking) a rant safely externalizes those feelings.

Think of it as blowing your inner chaos into an eco-friendly balloon and then letting it float away (so that chaos doesn’t set fire to your nervous system).

2. Mental Clarity Through Catharsis

When we rant on the page, to a friend, or even into a voice memo, we stop looping the same grievance endlessly in our heads. Articulating it untangles it. (Don't worry, your language or your penmanship doesn't have to be pretty.) You may even discover what you’re really upset about is different than you thought.

3. Reclaiming Voice and Power

Y'all know this: Women are often socialized to “be nice,” “stay quiet,” or “not make a fuss.” Ranting is a bold refusal of those rules. 💪 It’s not whining—it’s witnessing yourself and your truth. And if you share it in a supportive circle? Even more powerful (think Morningtides). 😃

📝 Healthy Ranting 101

Write it before you speak it. This allows for venting without regret.
Label it “THE RANT.” (Seriously. Title your journal entry. It gives permission.)
Don’t fix it right away. Let it sit. Let it breathe. You’re not looking for solutions—yet.
Close with one sentence of self-compassion. Ex: “I’m allowed to feel this way.” That’s it.

🫶 Sharing Your Rant? Even Healthier—If…

You're in a trusted space (hello again, Morningtides!)
You're not expecting others to fix it
You’re open to connection, not confirmation bias
You’re not using it to wound (yourself or anyone else)

Journaling Prompt:

“What do I need to get off my chest today that I’ve been holding back in the name of ‘being good’ or ‘not rocking the boat’?”

Final Thought

Ranting doesn’t make you bitter. Silencing yourself does.

So, rant. Rant with heart. Rant with humour. Rant with purpose.

Or even author an article for Substack.

Then take a deep breath, close the journal, and carry on with a lighter soul.

Happy Inklings!

Jill 🕊️🖊️📒🌿