Whining Fast: More happiness without nagging

With a Jammer fast, you take a closer look at your daily nagging. This should give you a different perspective that may allow you to feel more contentment and gratitude.

Whether it’s the long queue at the supermarket, the rainy morning or the train delay – there are many things in everyday life that give us a reason to whine. How often we nag every day is scientifically controversial. According to Psychology Today, some studies assume an average of four times a day, while others assume 15 to 30 times a day.

When we whine, we vent our anger, but we focus heavily on the negative, which can depress mood in the long term. In the concept of the Jammerfasten, the focus should therefore be more on positive aspects. This should make us happier and more relaxed. But can that really work?

Whining fasting: what does the science say?

There have not been any direct studies on the subject of whine fasting. However, there are studies that have looked at the practice of gratitude and life satisfaction. One such 2019 study found that practicing gratitude can also increase life satisfaction. Higher levels of satisfaction, in turn, encourage gratitude. Both aspects benefit each other and can set a positive cycle in motion.

The psychologist Illona Bürgel also explains to the mirror that lamentation can promote a more positive perception: “Thinking has an influence on what we perceive. When you say: ‘I’m happy’, then you see a lot more things that are beautiful and that work.”

However, we have often become so used to whining that we often do it unconsciously. Because the more we whine, the more our brain adapts to it, says Bürgel. Depending on what we do and say, some networks between nerve cells develop stronger. This is how routines are formed: We whine and then constantly evaluate things negatively without being aware of it.

How harmful whining really is, however, also depends on how we do it. According to Psychology Today, it makes sense to complain when there is a specific problem for which solutions need to be found. However, the so-called “chronic complaining” is particularly harmful. People are constantly complaining about even the smallest aspects. The whining does not have a constructive aim, but rather seems to be a fixed habit. Scientific evidence shows that this type of nagging promotes the release of stress hormones and makes us even more irritable and upset in the long term, according to Psychology Today.

This is how you can do Jammerfasting yourself

If you want to try jammer fasting yourself, there are different things that can help you. It’s a good idea to do a jammer fast for at least a week to encourage change. You can also choose a longer period of between two to four weeks.

Then there are some methods you can use:

1. A “Jammer Item”: Obtain a “Jammer Item” such as a bracelet or a ring. Change your chosen item each time you Yammer. This is how you combine whining (or the thought of not whining) with an activity – changing the object. So every time you switch, remind yourself to nag less.

2. Awareness: This method is closely related to the Jammer item. Try to be conscious of when and how much you whine. The item supports this very well. Then you can try to consciously turn the whining into something positive. You finally wanted to hold the long-planned garden party today, but now it’s supposed to rain all day? Then have a game night instead, or postpone the party and use the evening for a dose of self-care.

3. Possible solutions: If you complain despite the misery fast, always try to write down what you are dissatisfied with or what annoys you. Once you’ve done that, try to think of at least one action you could take to change your problem. And then run this. In this way you learn to complain more constructively and to actively look for solutions.

4. No rating: Another method that can be helpful with jammer fasting is not to be rated or to be rated less. That means: Don’t try to judge that something is bad, just perceive it. The train is 20 minutes late? Don’t lose yourself in swearing thoughts or sentences or a feeling of impatience and frustration, just register the delay. Then you can use your energy to think about what you could do with the extra time. For example, grab a book, do some breathing exercises, or go for a little walk around the block.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Niksen: Being happy doing nothing?

• 8 health goals – and how to achieve them

• New beginning: “Following the heart, head and gut can make you happy”