How Practicing Forgiveness à La Taylor Swift and Katy Perry Can Benefit Your Well-Being

This week, Perry extended an IRL peace offering—an olive-branch wreath—to Swift before kicking off her Reputation tour. From what could be seen in Swift's Instagram Story, the attached note from Perry read something along the lines of "Hey Old Friend—I’ve been doing some reflecting on past miscommunications and hurt feelings between us. I really want to clear the air" and "I’m deeply sorry." And, Swift was into it, saying, "this means so much to me," as she showed off the thoughtful gift.

Some forgiveness clearly seems to be going down between these two former buds, and whether they know it or not, the ability to release long-held grudges is incredibly beneficial to their well-being. Past studies have shown the simple act—whether you're the one saying "I'm sorry" or the one doing the forgiving—could help you live longer, make you less angry, lower your risk of heart attack, improve your sleep, and reduce your symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety, John Hopkins Medicine reports.

"There is an enormous physical burden to being hurt and disappointed." —Dr. Karen Swartz

While being able to forgive isn't the easiest thing in the world to do—whether it's granted via perfectly packaged foliage or not—being the bigger person (no matter who was right and who was wrong) and ditching those negative feelings is worth it for your overall health. "There is an enormous physical burden to being hurt and disappointed," says Karen Swartz, MD, director of the Mood Disorders Adult Consultation Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. "Forgiveness is an active process in which you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings whether the person deserves it or not. You are choosing to offer compassion and empathy to the person who wronged you."

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And, if two superstars can squash their beef in the world's spotlight, anyone can. Now, who wants to make a bet that Perry will be one of Swift's surprise guests on an upcoming tour stop? There might just be a "Bad Blood" duet in the near future.

Here's why Taylor Swift never looks sweaty after her workouts. Or, find out Katy Perry's go-to form of meditation.