Why Holding Grudges Hurts More Than It Helps

Holding a grudge might feel like a way to protect yourself after being hurt, but in reality, it often causes more harm than healing. A grudge is a lingering feeling of resentment toward someone who has wronged you — and while it’s normal to feel upset, holding onto that anger for too long can become toxic.

Grudges can affect both your mental and physical health. Emotionally, they keep you stuck in the past, fueling stress, anxiety, and even depression. Physically, constant resentment can raise your blood pressure, disturb your sleep, and weaken your immune system. In short, holding onto anger doesn’t punish the other person — it punishes you.

Letting go of a grudge doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened or allow the person back into your life. It simply means choosing your peace over ongoing pain. Forgiveness is not about approval; it’s about release.

In the end, forgiving others — even silently — frees you to move forward. It’s not about them. It’s about you, your well-being, and your peace of mind.

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