Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, recently shared a simple yet effective mental health practice that helps him manage not-so-good emotions. Speaking on the latest episode of Loose Women Talkathon on ITVX, Martin explained how this daily ritual has been transformative for his emotional well-being.
A 12-Minute Daily Ritual
“This is a good mental health thing for real,” Martin said. He described a daily exercise where, for 12 minutes, he writes down everything that’s bothering him on a piece of paper. Once the time is up, he rips it up, throws it away, or burns it.
According to Martin, this practice works as a form of emotional release. “It helps release the things you’d like to say but can’t, and it also serves as a cleansing ritual,” he shared.
How this practice can help manage stress and anger?
Martin emphasised how this simple method prevents him from acting impulsively when he’s upset. “Rather than texting someone angrily or, you know, being aggressive at work, it sort of gets out. And then, if there is something left even after those 12 minutes, you can gather yourself and say it calmly,” he explained.
The singer admitted that he does this every morning, calling it a “miracle” for his mental health.
Why penning down your emotions help?
Mental health experts have long recommended the act of writing down emotions as a way to process thoughts and feelings. This method:
Provides clarity: Writing helps you identify what’s truly bothering you.
Reduces stress: Putting emotions on paper can help lower emotional tension.
Prevents impulsive reactions: By venting on paper first, you’re less likely to say or do something you might regret.
Acts as a ritual of closure: Destroying the paper can symbolise letting go of negative emotions.
A tool for emotional balance
This practice is particularly beneficial for those who find it hard to express emotions directly or feel overwhelmed by their thoughts. It allows for a structured way to release pent-up feelings without burdening others.
Chris Martin’s 12-minute ritual is a reminder that small, consistent practices can make a big difference in mental health. It’s an accessible and easy-to-implement method that anyone can try.
Whether you’re dealing with a tough day or looking for ways to stay emotionally balanced, this simple practice might just be the key to finding peace in your everyday life.
