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Let It Go
Forgiveness Is Key to Good Health By Laurie L. Dove
Excess levels of cortizol increase fat storage and lower the immune system. Studies also have shown that stress causes muscle atrophy, dulls emotions and lowers intellect. Why? People under severe and prolonged stress release a steroid compound known as corticosterone, and this causes the dendrites (parts of nerve cells in the brain) to shrink and die. In short, being mad can make you dumb. It can also make you forgetful, as the same process inhibits learning and memory.
What's the best course of defense? Forgiveness. "Your relationship with yourself is the most important relationship," Dr. Degnan says. "You have to forgive. This may mean making amends with someone, but when that person is unable or unwilling, even internal forgiveness is OK. The most important change happens from within."
Once the decision is made, the real work begins. Forgiveness is a process, one that requires inward change. It's not just about telling someone "I forgive you." Genuine forgiveness requires you to now yourself and to let go of anger that has been burnished until it gleams.
