Be your best self

Negative thinking and increased cortisol levels might result from feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy. Fixing the root of the problem may require making changes in your life for some causes of guilt. For other reasons, you might enhance your sense of well-being by learning to forgive and accept both yourself and others.

In a 2017 study based on data from 201 adolescents, researchers observed that a person’s self-esteem was linked to them having fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention problems. In terms of relationships, the most important skill is learning to forgive others. One study of 145 couples compared the effects of different kinds of marriage counseling. Cortisol levels were lower in couples who received interventions that encouraged forgiving and conflict-resolution techniques.