The Most Overlooked Stress-Relief Practice: Love and Forgiveness

Coach Marsha
Oct 30
3 min read

We often think of stress management as something we do — deep breathing, meditation, a walk outside. But what if the most powerful stress relief comes from something we feel — love and forgiveness?

Stress is one of the most underestimated influences on our health. It affects everything from sleep and digestion to blood sugar balance and inflammation. When stress becomes chronic, the body releases a constant flow of cortisol — the “fight or flight” hormone that raises blood sugar and keeps your body on high alert.

But here’s the truth many people miss: not all stress comes from a busy schedule or difficult circumstances. Some of it comes from what we hold inside — old hurts, self-criticism, resentment, guilt, or judgment we’ve carried far too long.

The Hidden Weight of Unforgiveness

When we hold onto resentment or guilt, the body doesn’t know the difference between emotional stress and physical danger. It reacts the same way — tightening muscles, raising blood pressure, and spiking cortisol. Over time, that inner tension keeps the nervous system stuck in “fight or flight,” making it harder to relax, rest, or regulate blood sugar.

Forgiveness isn’t about condoning what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt. It’s about releasing yourself from the burden of carrying it. It’s the moment you say, “I’m ready to stop reliving this story.”

In that release, your body exhales. Your heart rate slows. Your breathing deepens. And your cells receive the message: It’s safe to heal.

Love as a Healing Frequency

Love is more than an emotion — it’s a physiological state. When we experience love, compassion, or gratitude, the heart’s rhythm becomes more coherent. This coherence calms the nervous system and reduces cortisol, creating a cascade of healing effects throughout the body.

The same love we extend to others can — and must — begin with ourselves. Self-love softens the inner critic, allowing the mind and body to rest. When we speak to ourselves with kindness instead of judgment, the stress response begins to quiet naturally.

In my own journey, I’ve come to see forgiveness and love as the ultimate forms of stress relief. Through daily reflection and meditation, I’ve learned that peace isn’t something we have to chase — it’s who we already are beneath all the noise. When I catch myself judging or reacting, I pause, take a deep breath, and silently say, “You are Spirit, whole and innocent. All is forgiven and released.”

That simple act shifts everything. The mind returns to peace, and the body follows.

The Mind-Body Connection: How Forgiveness Supports Blood Sugar Balance

Science continues to confirm what spiritual teachers have said for centuries — that our thoughts and emotions directly influence our physiology. When you practice love and forgiveness regularly, you reduce the chronic stress that interferes with insulin sensitivity and metabolic balance.

Lower stress hormones mean steadier blood sugar, fewer cravings, and less inflammation. In other words, practicing forgiveness is not only good for your peace of mind — it’s a real step toward diabetes remission and overall healing.

Simple Practices to Try This Week

You don’t need to overhaul your life to begin. Try adding just one of these practices into your daily rhythm:

Heart-Centered Breathing: Place your hand on your heart and breathe deeply. Imagine inhaling love and exhaling tension.
Forgiveness Journal: Each night, write down one thing you’re ready to release — a regret, a judgment, or a lingering frustration.
Silent Blessings: As you pass people throughout your day, silently think, “You are loved. You are whole.”
Self-Compassion Check-In: When your inner critic appears, respond gently: “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”

These may seem small, but small moments of peace throughout the day teach the body that it’s safe to relax — and healing happens in that safety.

Reflection Questions

What situation or person still brings tension to your mind or body?
How does it feel when I let go and choose peace instead?
How might forgiveness free up energy I’ve been using to protect or defend?

Take your time with these. Forgiveness is a process, not a performance. Each small release creates space for love to take root.

Wrapping It All Together

Stress management isn’t just about calming your mind — it’s about liberating your heart. Love and forgiveness invite your body to rest, your nervous system to settle, and your blood sugar to stabilize.

When you lead with love, your body follows.

If you’re ready to explore how love, forgiveness, and lifestyle change can work together to help your body heal, download your free copy of the WholeLYFE Blueprint.

Inside, you’ll discover six lifestyle levers that support natural diabetes remission — Nutrition, Hydration, Movement, Sleep, Stress Management, and Mindset — all working together to help you take back control of your health.

Because your WholeLYFE is worth reclaiming. 🌿