🧠 The Science of the Bitch Session: Why Venting Is Actually Good for You

I saw on the news—and by “news” I mean TikTok—that venting is good for your health. So, I did what any responsible adult with a lab coat and a group chat would do: I dove deeper than my 7-second scroll and did some actual research.

Turns out, venting isn’t just a guilty pleasure. It’s a legitimate wellness strategy. Studies show that expressing emotions in safe, supportive environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and even strengthen social bonds. Of course, me and my girlfriends could’ve told you this a long time ago—we’ve been running this medical trial in real time.

Whether it’s:

🥗 A long lunch with extra fries and no judgment

📱 A cleverly named text thread that’s 90% memes and 10% life advice

🚪 Piling into someone’s office and closing the door like it’s a confessional

🍷 A monthly dinner date that doubles as emotional triage

👩‍👧 A bitch session with your adult daughter that ends in hugs and healing

🚶‍♀️Stopping in your neighbor’s driveway mid-walk to unload the day

…these rituals aren’t just cathartic. They’re connective. They remind us we’re not alone, that our feelings are valid, and that someone out there gets it.

And the science backs us up:

Venting can reduce stress by releasing pent-up emotions, which helps lower anxiety.

It can improve your mood—getting things off your chest makes you feel less overwhelmed.

It builds bonds with friends and colleagues, strengthening your support system.

It offers perspective, helping you evaluate situations more clearly before reacting.

Of course, like any good thing, venting needs balance. You don’t want to live in a constant state of complaint. The goal isn’t to spiral—it’s to release, reflect, and reconnect.

So next time you feel the urge to vent, don’t suppress it. Honor it. Text the thread. Call the friend. Walk into the driveway. Your health—and your heart—will thank you.

And you know if you need someone to vent to, we here at Kicking the Chaos aren't "experts" but we do have experience, and you are welcome to vent here.