Spiritualty Boosts Overall Health
Spirituality is defined as the sense of peace and purpose. Those with spiritual wellness care about themselves, others, and the world. They tend to volunteer, belong to groups, and are optimistic, forgiving, and compassionate. There is a healthy balance between the physical, psychological, and social portions of their lives.
Staying spiritually happy can improve our health. Studies have shown that people with a strong spirituality produce less cortisol, the hormone released at times of stress. This improves the body’s immune response, increasing the body’s ability to fight health issues such as heart disease and hypertension. It may also help the body to recover from health stressors such as surgery.
When combined with formal faith practices (religion), a strong spirituality is known to increase life expectancy and lower mortality rate by almost twelve percent a year. This combination is also thought to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and help substance abusers stop their harmful habit.
Want to become more spiritually healthy? Here are some ideas:
1. Meditate – even for a few minutes each day
2. Practice mindful breathing
3. Practice gratitude for things and others – keep a list
4. Spend time with nature
5. Be mindful of the needs of others – volunteer
6. Take care of yourself
7. Learn to let go; declutter your life physically and emotionally
8. Consider meeting with a spiritual director
Try one or two of the above ideas at first, and then add more as you are able. The potential rewards are worth it.
Pastoral Care Director,
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