tools for change
Cultivate a Healthy Spirit
Many studies have examined the link between spiritual beliefs and health. Research suggests that prayer, meditation, and attending religious services offer several health benefits.
These include:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Keeping the immune system healthy
- Boosting recovery from substance abuse
- Contributing to a healthier lifestyle
- Speeding recovery from illnesses
A healthy spiritual life may help to strengthen mental health. Experts say spirituality improves self-esteem, helps a person cope with stress, boosts creative energy, and even defends against depression.
Spiritual practice often puts people into a community of like-minded people offering the added benefit of social support.
Organized religion may or may not play a part in your spirituality, which embraces a much larger category and includes a much wider range of options.
Your own spirituality may include any or all of the following activities:
- Meditation
- Reading inspirational materials
- Private or communal prayer
- Creating art
- Volunteer work
- Slow exercise, such as yoga or tai chi
- Taking a nature walk
- Listening to soothing music
