What happens if you don't take out the kitchen trash and the bag is full? It overflows. It stinks. It makes a mess that didn't have to happen. The messier it gets, the less you want to go near it. Cleaning up becomes more work than simply taking the bag out in the first place. The same is true of emotional trash. Instead of getting rid of it on a regular basis, we let it overflow until we can't stomp another item into the can. The whole mess explodes in our faces, and now we're scraping stuff off the walls.
How do you take out the emotional trash? Exercise is a big first step. Exercise improves mood and calms physical reactions to stress. And then, talk to someone trustworthy. Depending on what your trash is, you may or may not have a friend who can help you take it out. You might need to talk to a professional who can hear you speak the truth about your life. And then, keep your eye on the trash can and don't let it get so full. Empty the trash on a regular basis before it gets stinky and explosive. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.