Forgiveness: A Key to Physical Wellness
Forgiving those who have wronged us is one of the most challenging, yet healing acts one can engage in. While the act of forgiveness essentially aims to absolve the perpetrator of wrongdoing, it is often the forgiver who benefits from the release of resentment and hurt. Although forgiveness has mostly been studied with regard to its emotional and psychological effects, recent studies have shown that forgiving can also improve your physical health.
The Science Behind Forgiveness and Physical Health
Scientists have found a strong link between emotional stress and physical health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. When you are anxious or stressed, your body releases cortisol, which triggers the “fight or flight” response. This response sends adrenaline to your body, preparing you to take action. While it is useful in dangerous situations, too much cortisol can cause damage to your body if you do not manage your stress levels properly. This is where forgiveness comes in.
Studies have shown that forgiving reduces stress levels. When you forgive someone, you release the negative emotions that come with holding a grudge. In doing so, you help reduce the cortisol levels in your body, which in turn lowers your stress levels. Forgiveness also boosts your immune system. It increases the levels of immunoglobulin A in your body, which provides protection against infections and illnesses.
An interesting study conducted by Dr. Loren Toussaint, a psychologist at Luther College, followed 148 middle-aged women. The study found out that those who scored high on the forgiveness scale had lower levels of inflammation in their bodies compared to those who had trouble forgiving. Inflammation is a known cause of many life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Benefits of Forgiveness on Physical Health
Forgiveness doesn’t only improve your physical health, but it also has immense benefits for your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s look at some benefits forgiveness has on your physical health:
1. Lowers blood pressure – Forgiving someone can lower your blood pressure and prevent the risk of heart disease.
2. Reduced pain – Forgiveness reduces the intensity of physical pain, easing discomfort and restoring body functions.
3. Improved sleep – Forgiving someone can also improve your sleep patterns, enabling you to get more restful and refreshing sleep.
4. Enhanced sense of well-being – Forgiving others can lead to increased feelings of happiness and contentment.
Conclusion
Forgiveness has immense benefits on our physical and mental health. It’s an act of love, compassion, and courage. Forgiveness can be challenging, but it’s a skill that can be learned and mastered. By learning to forgive, we release ourselves from the burden of resentment, anger, and hurt and improve our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Let us all learn to forgive, move forward, and live a healthy, peaceful life.
