Letting go or moving on in life is not as simple as it sounds. The burden of our bitter past experiences creates a deep impact on our lives, whether it be due to childhood trauma, bad relationships, or issues faced at the workplace. The emotional baggage that we carry takes a toll on our overall health by deeply impacting our physical, mental, and spiritual health. In order to heal, emotional release is quite crucial, and for this, you need to address, process, and make an attempt to let go of your feelings.

Aamish Dhingra, certified life coach, explains that emotional baggage refers to unresolved feelings, past traumas, and negative experiences that continue to affect our thoughts, behaviours, and relationships. It can come from various sources, including past relationships such as heartbreaks, betrayals, or disappointments; childhood wounds such as needs, neglect, or emotional abuse; unforgiveness; or workplace stress. This baggage often manifests as anxiety, depression, trust issues, fear of failure, or even physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues.

Carrying emotional baggage can feel like dragging a heavy suitcase everywhere you go. The longer you carry it, the heavier it gets.

Impact on mental health – Unresolved emotions can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression. When we suppress emotions instead of processing them, they don’t disappear—they fester. Over time, they shape our thoughts and self-perception, often leading to negative self-talk and self-sabotage.

Relationship damage – When you carry past wounds, you might project them onto current relationships. Trust issues, fear of abandonment, or emotional unavailability often stem from past experiences. By holding onto these emotions, you prevent yourself from forming deep, meaningful connections.

Physical damage – The mind-body connection is powerful. Studies show that chronic stress and emotional trauma can lead to physical ailments, including gut troubles, weakened immunity, headaches, improper sleep, etc. Letting go doesn’t just heal your mind; it can also help restore your physical health.

Deeply impacting personal growth – Holding onto the past keeps you stuck. Whether it’s fear of failure, guilt, or anger, these emotions prevent you from stepping into your full potential. Letting go opens the door to new opportunities, self-discovery, and growth.

Releasing emotional baggage isn’t about forgetting; it’s about freeing yourself from its grip. Dhingra says that the first step is to acknowledge and accept your emotions rather than suppressing them. Ignoring feelings only makes them linger, so expressing them through journaling, therapy, or even talking to a trusted friend can help bring clarity. "Practising mindfulness and meditation is another powerful way to let go, as it helps you observe your emotions without being consumed by them. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and guided meditation can calm your mind and shift your perspective," he adds.

Forgiveness also plays a crucial role in emotional release. Holding onto grudges, Dhingra says, only fuels resentment and keeps you tied to the past. Forgiving others and yourself doesn’t mean excusing hurtful actions but rather choosing to let go of their emotional hold over you. In cases of deep trauma, seeking professional help from therapists or counsellors can provide valuable tools to navigate the healing process.

Physical movement is another effective way to release stored emotions. "Exercise, dancing, or even simple activities like stretching and walking can help reduce stress and tension. Since emotions are often stored in the body, engaging in physical activity can be a great outlet," Dhingra says.

Lastly, reframing your perspective is key. Rather than seeing past experiences as burdens, try viewing them as lessons that have shaped your strength and resilience. By shifting from a victim mindset to an empowered one, you take control of your healing journey and open the door to emotional freedom.

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