Heal a Million Diseases by Forgiving

Sahabat Hermina, Eid is a momentum that many people use to forgive or forgive each other. Forgiveness itself can be interpreted as when someone makes a conscious and deliberate decision to let go of feelings of resentment or hatred towards a person or group who has hurt them, regardless of whether they really deserve forgiveness or not. In this way, it is hoped that all emotional wounds will disappear and sins will be erased. However, did you know that forgiveness also has many health benefits, both mental and physical.

Scientifically, forgiving other people's mistakes can be beneficial for both physical and mental health. Socially, forgiving others is a form of greatness of spirit and behavior that is considered good. There are many health benefits of forgiving others as reported by the Mayo Clinic and Telegraph, including:

• Avoid high blood pressure. University of California, San Diego researchers found that people who were able to let go of their anger and forgive other people's mistakes tended to have a lower risk of experiencing spikes in blood pressure.
• Avoid the risk of drug and alcohol abuse. A number of studies have proven that feelings of revenge and hostility can trigger high blood pressure. Stress arises when we feel disappointed or hurt. Forgiveness is a process of peace with oneself. Someone who forgives will actually feel relaxed and accept their condition.
• Lower the Risk of Heart Attack. Scientists have proven that apologizing to someone can improve their heart health. People who experience harsh treatment will experience an increase in blood pressure which can trigger a heart attack. However, when you hear the word "sorry", your blood pressure will decrease again.
• Prevent cancer. This is related to a lack of forgiveness and harboring resentment, which can trigger a state of anxiety. This will have an effect on increasing adrenaline and corsitol, which will increase a person's susceptibility to cancer.
• Away from Stress and Depression. Research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that positive forgiveness can reduce symptoms of depression. Not only that, forgiveness will restore positive thoughts and improve relationships. Apart from that, forgiveness is also related to other positive behaviors such as being generous, generous and not easily pressured.

Meanwhile, people who choose not to forgive are usually overcome by anger and bitterness, cannot enjoy the present, become more anxious, and find it difficult to appreciate a relationship. You can take advantage of the Eid momentum to start forgiving other people. Take a commitment to let go of life-damaging grudges and make a sincere apology to set you free. Several ways to forgive:

• Uncover and understand anger by tracing its roots. Realize that you need healing by forgiving others.
• If you can't do it yourself, consider seeing a counselor or someone you trust to talk about this.
• Look at people who hurt us with a lens of compassion.
• Admit that you are harboring emotions that are not good for you and that those negative emotions are influencing your behavior.
• Make the decision to forgive those who wronged you and stop acting as a victim because you are free.

So, after forgiving, you don't have to reconcile with the person who wronged you. Don't be trapped in the hope that the perpetrator can change through the forgiveness you give. Remember, forgiveness is for yourself. Stay healthy.