Besides crying, what are some healthy ways to release emotions immediately?

Hey, I get the sense from your question that you might be going through a tough time right now. Sending you a virtual hug. Crying is definitely a direct and effective way to release emotions, but if you're looking for other outlets, or if you're in a situation where crying isn't convenient, these methods might help. They've been personally tested by me or friends:

1. Move: "Use Up" the Emotion

Your body and emotions are connected. When you feel like your emotions are about to explode, get your body moving. It's like releasing steam from a pressure cooker.

Walk Briskly or Jog Slowly: Don't worry about speed or distance. Just put on your shoes and head out until you feel slightly sweaty and your heart rate increases. Your focus will shift from inner turmoil to physical sensations.
Punch a Pillow or Couch Cushion: This is a super safe way to vent. Imagine your anger, frustration, or resentment as a physical thing, then punch it out (or smash one pillow with another). The key is to use something soft – don't hurt yourself.
Dance Without Purpose: Close the door, draw the curtains, put on a song that feels powerful or deeply sad to you, and just dance. Move however feels right, don't worry about how it looks – fling your head, fling your arms, stomp your feet. "Act out" the emotion with movement. No one's watching, release it all.
Tear Paper or Pop Bubble Wrap: Find some useless scrap paper or old magazines and tear them up vigorously. The sound and action of tearing is inherently releasing. Popping bubble wrap works similarly – the "pop" sound is very cathartic.

2. Write or Draw: Give Emotions a "Container"

Sometimes the stuff inside is too messy to say out loud. Then, write it down or draw it out.

Theme-Free "Emotion Journaling": Grab a notebook and pen, or open your phone's notes app, and write whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar, logic, or neat handwriting. You can write "I'm so angry!!!!", "Why why why?", or even curse (as long as you don't send it). Afterwards, you can choose to tear it up, burn it, or delete it – the act of "disposing" of it adds a sense of ritual.
Doodle: You don't need to know how to draw. Just grab a pen and scribble on paper. Draw lines, circles, blacken the page... let the frustration and chaos inside flow out through the pen onto the paper.

3. Talk It Out: Don't Let Emotions Get Stuck

Expressing your emotions gives them an outlet.

Talk to a Trusted Friend: Call or message someone and tell them directly: "I'm feeling really down right now and need to talk, are you free?" The key is the "talking" itself. You don't necessarily need advice; just the act of speaking it out is a release.
Talk to Yourself or Record: If you don't want to bother others, talk to yourself. Or, use your phone's voice recorder. Record everything you want to say, everyone you want to curse at, all the grievances you want to cry about. Whether you listen back or not isn't important; the key is the act of "saying it out loud." Delete it afterwards – it's like tossing those emotional junk feelings into the recycle bin.
Talk to Your Pet: They are the best listeners. They won't judge you and will offer warm responses (like nuzzling you).

4. Use Your Senses to Shift Focus: Give Your Brain an "Emergency Brake"

When emotions overwhelm you, your brain can get stuck in a loop. Using strong sensory input can instantly pull your attention back to the present moment.

Take a Hot or Cold Shower: Hot water relaxes muscles and makes you feel wrapped up and comforted. If you're feeling particularly agitated, splash cold water on your face – the instant chill can snap you back to alertness.
Eat Something Intense: Like a slice of lemon, an extremely sour candy, or a tiny dab of wasabi (not too much!). The strong sour or spicy taste will immediately dominate your taste buds, temporarily overriding the emotion.
Listen to a Very, Very Loud Song: Put on headphones, choose a rock, metal, or any high-energy song, turn it up as loud as you can tolerate (protect your ears!), and let the music fill your entire world, temporarily drowning out the noise in your head.
Smell Strong Scents: Like medicated oil, menthol balm, or lemon essential oil. Take a deep breath – it's invigorating and can interrupt the cycle of negative emotions.

Finally, a few extra thoughts:

Safety First: Releasing emotions doesn't mean hurting yourself or others. All the methods above assume you prioritize your own safety.
This is "First-Aid": These methods are a "first-aid kit" to help you get through the most intense minutes or hours of emotion. Once you've calmed down, you still need to slowly think through and address the root cause.
Allow Yourself to Feel: Don't blame yourself for feeling sad or angry. These are normal emotional responses, just like weather – there are sunny days and rainy days. Give yourself time; let the emotions come naturally, and let them pass naturally.

Hope these methods offer you some help. Take it slow, things will get better.