How to Release Guilt

Guilty feelings can arise from past actions. Letting go of guilt can be a challenge, as it is natural to feel responsible for your actions and decisions. Even though your decisions have consequences, you need to release some of the guilt so that you can move on with your life, especially when guilt permeates your thoughts on a daily basis.

Things You'll Need

• Journal or notebook
• Blank calendar
• Voice recorder

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand the actions, events or situation that caused you to behave in the manner that brought about the feelings of guilt. Write about when you first began to feel guilty. Make sure to note what events happened around that time. Be aware that you may need to recall events farther back in time, as not all guilt is realized in the immediate aftermath.

• 2

  Use your journal to write down exactly what events make you feel guilty. For example, if you disciplined a toddler six months ago and began feeling guilty about it recently, write down that you now have pangs of guilt every time you scold the child. If you feel guilty about your work performance over the past six months, review your performance leading up those feelings to determine if your work environment changed, or your performance declined. Be as specific as possible when listing what precipitated the guilty feelings.

• 3

  Journal about why you acted the way you did. Note whether your actions were being done for the greater good. For example, if disciplining a small child precipitated the guilt, note whether it was time to start reprimanding bad behavior or scolding the child for their own wellbeing and safety. Write about each event to help express and explain the thought process behind your actions. Read back over your work. Use a voice recorder for the writing process, if you are better at speaking rather than writing.

• 4

  Maintain a daily log of how you feel and whether your guilt is subsiding. Know that guilty feelings take time to get over. Work on learning to live with your actions and guilt associated with those actions. Be aware that some actions are done in the heat of a moment or when danger or safety concerns arise. Situations that have corrected themselves should no longer be a source of guilt for you. Seek therapy or counseling if your guilt is negatively affecting your daily life.

• 5

  Add daily mediation and relaxation techniques, such as yoga, to your routine. Use soothing music when you feel guilty or stressful. Walk, exercise and get regular rest to help alleviate the physical stress associated with guilt.