(PCM) Do you drag out fights, hold on to grudges, or just can’t seem to forgive and forget? Well, it’s not doing anyone any good! In fact, holding onto hostility doesn’t just hurt those you won’t forgive, it can negatively affect your immune system and heart health!
According to RealAge, holding onto hostility is like living with chronic stress, releasing a combination of feel-bad chemicals into your body that increases heart rate, blood pressure, stomach acids, muscle tension, and inflammation-triggering compounds. That inflammation can lead to a buildup in your arteries, which causes heart attacks, wrinkles, stroke, and impotence.
Forgiveness, on the other hand, has the opposite effect! Letting go of your anger or hurt can help fight depression and anxiety, relieve chronic pain, and increase your immune system. Sometimes, though, it’s easier said than done. Take baby steps: work on letting go of the little, short-term grudges, and work your way towards letting go of bigger grievances. Talk it out with close friends, family, or a therapist.
Remember: forgiving someone for hurting you does not mean you’re weak. Sometimes forgiveness takes a lot more strength than holding onto something. So do yourself a favor and let go of your grudges – it just might save your life!