The Surprising Health Benefits of Forgiveness

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Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Mike Robinson

Are you holding onto grudges and resentments that are weighing you down? Letting go of anger and forgiving those who have wronged us can be one of the most difficult things to do, but it’s also one of the most beneficial for our mental health. Research shows that the benefits of forgiveness include reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improved relationships with others.

In this article, we’ll explore forgiveness’s surprising benefits and how it can positively impact your mental wellbeing. Whether it’s forgiving a friend who let you down or a family member who hurt you deeply, the act of forgiveness can free you from negative emotions and open up space for more positivity and joy in your life. So please take a deep breath, let go of that grudge, and let’s dive into the benefits of forgiveness for your mental health.

What is forgiveness?

The Surprising Health Benefits of Forgiveness — Forgiveness benefits you more that the person you are forgiving.

Before we dive into the benefits of forgiveness, it’s important to understand what forgiveness means. Forgiveness is the act of letting go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged us. It’s a process that involves acknowledging our hurt feelings, empathizing with the person who hurt us, and making a conscious decision to release our negative emotions towards them. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or excusing the behavior of the person who hurt us, but it does mean choosing to move forward and not allowing our emotions to control us.

The link between forgiveness and mental health

Forgiveness is associated with a number of positive mental health outcomes. Research has shown that people who practice forgiveness have lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Forgiveness can also increase feelings of hope, gratitude, and compassion. One study even found that forgiveness can lead to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction. The link between forgiveness and mental health is strong, and practicing forgiveness can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing.

The benefits of forgiveness on mental health

Forgiveness and stress reduction

One of the most obvious benefits of forgiveness is that it can reduce our stress levels. When we hold onto anger and resentment towards someone, our bodies go into fight or flight mode, which can lead to increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our bodies. This can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. However, when we practice forgiveness, we release our negative emotions and reduce our stress levels. This can lead to improved physical and mental health outcomes.

Forgiveness as a way to overcome trauma

Forgiveness can also be a powerful tool for overcoming trauma. When we experience trauma, we commonly feel angry or resentful towards the person or people who caused us harm. However, holding onto these negative emotions can prevent us from fully healing and moving on from the trauma. By practicing forgiveness, we can release these negative emotions and begin the healing process. Forgiving doesn’t mean that we forget what happened or excuse the behavior of the person who hurt us, but it does mean that we choose to focus on our own healing and growth.

Forgiveness and improved relationships

Another benefit of forgiveness is that it can lead to improved relationships with others. Holding onto anger and resentment towards someone can create a barrier between that person and us. However, when we practice forgiveness, we can begin to rebuild trust and repair our relationships. This doesn’t mean that the relationship will go back to the way it was before, but it does mean that we can move forward in a more positive and healthy way.

Forgiveness and better physical health

In addition to its mental health benefits, forgiveness can have a positive impact on your physical health. Evidence provided by research proves that people who practice forgiveness have lower blood pressure, reduced symptoms of chronic pain, and improved immune system function. This improvement is likely because forgiveness reduces our stress levels and allows our bodies to function more effectively.

Forgiveness and increased happiness

One of the most surprising benefits of forgiveness is that it can actually lead to increased levels of happiness. When we hold onto anger and resentment towards someone, it can create a negative cycle of emotions that can be difficult to break. However, when we practice forgiveness, we release these negative emotions and create space for more positive emotions like joy and gratitude. This can lead to increased feelings of happiness and life satisfaction.

Forgiveness and personal growth

Finally, practicing forgiveness can be a powerful tool for personal growth. Holding onto anger and resentment towards someone can prevent us from fully experiencing and processing our emotions. However, when we practice forgiveness, we allow ourselves to fully feel our emotions and then release them. This can lead to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, practicing forgiveness can have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s forgiving a friend who let us down or a family member who hurt us deeply, the act of forgiveness can free us from negative emotions and open up space for more positivity and joy in our lives. By acknowledging our hurt feelings, empathizing with the person who hurt us, and making a conscious decision to release our negative emotions towards them, we can experience the many benefits of forgiveness. So take a deep breath, let go of that grudge, and start your journey towards forgiveness and healing today.