Many of us have been taught to suppress our emotions. We push down anger, jealousy, or sadness because they seem inconvenient or unacceptable. But what happens to these emotions? They don’t just disappear. They accumulate, forming what Murielle Machiels calls an emotional magnetic load—a heavy, unseen burden that affects our daily lives, our relationships, and even our work environment.
Research shows that an emotion lasts only 90 seconds—it arises, is felt, and fades away if we allow it. However, when we repress emotions, they stay lodged in our system, activating the fight-or-flight response and draining our energy. Over time, this emotional backlog creates chronic stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues.
Think about a time when you were frustrated but kept silent. Did the frustration go away? Likely not. Instead, it simmered beneath the surface, making you more reactive in the next stressful situation. This is the cycle of the emotional magnetic load—it attracts similar emotional experiences and colors our reactions.
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately sensed tension? That’s because emotions don’t just stay inside us—they spread. Thanks to mirror neurons, we subconsciously pick up on the emotions of those around us.
For example, a boss with a suppressed anger issue may react impatiently to bad news, snapping at an employee. That employee then carries frustration home and may snap at their partner, continuing the cycle. When left unchecked, these emotional patterns create toxic environments—at work, in families, and even in society.
The good news? Emotions don’t have to control us. By becoming aware of our emotional triggers, we can start to break the cycle. Here’s how:
✅ Notice the emotion – Instead of pushing it away, acknowledge what you’re feeling. Name it: “I feel anger,” or “I feel sadness.”
✅ Accept it without judgment – Emotions aren’t good or bad; they just are. Allow yourself to feel them.
✅ Breathe through it – A simple 90-second deep breathing exercise can help process emotions naturally.
✅ Release it in a healthy way – Physical movement, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend can help emotions pass.
✅ Create a regenerative environment – Be mindful of how you react to others. By practicing emotional awareness, you set a tone of calm and rationality.
We live in a fast-paced world where suppressing emotions has become the norm. But carrying an emotional magnetic load exhausts us, drains our creativity, and leads to toxic environments. By learning to process emotions in the moment, we can free ourselves from the burden of repression and live more balanced, fulfilling lives.
Are you ready to lighten your emotional load?