Your beliefs and sense of purpose in the world mean more for your health than you may think.
What is Spiritual Wellness
The global wellness institute describes spiritual wellness as "our search for meaning and purpose in human existence".
It can include religious faith, moral values, mindfulness, having a belonging, a mind-body and spirit connection with something, or any belief that encourages a connection with one's peace and sense of purpose in the world.
What If I'm Not Religious?
You don't necessarily have to have a religion to search for meaning and your value set.
One can be spiritual without being religious because spirituality can mean different things to different people.
You may find your spirituality through your beliefs in God, standards of morality, connection with Mother Earth, or meditative practice with yourself.
Regardless of what your spirituality is based on, it is important that your actions and expressions are in line with your beliefs.
When there is conflict between the two, the result can be despair, hopelessness, and feeling like you have two different sides.
Why is Spirituality Important?
It can give a sense of belonging.
Spirituality gives interconnectedness and a sense of community. This speaks to our social wellness as well because bonds can form with others who have the same beliefs as yourself.
This type of wellness has scientifically been shown to improve one's self efficacy, well being, and self esteem on multiple occasions through spiritual therapy.
Spirituality can also aid in recovery.
A recent study showed that when compared to a stretching program, mindful yoga practice was superior because it had the additional benefits of reducing anxiety and depression.
It can also help you cope with pain.
Another new study showed that religious patients with chronic pain were able to significantly handle pain better than those who were not.
How Can I Work on My Spiritual Health
First, stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Conflict may only create mixed feelings and a sense of hopelessness.
If you have a religious belief, make sure it is yours, and aligns with who you are. Spend some time in prayer and devotionals apart from other activities so you can focus.
Grow your connection with the earth. Spend some time out in nature and get away from people in the city. You can also support the earth daily in small ways by limiting waste and trash.
Practice mindfulness and meditation. This can be done through self or guided meditations, as well as through through yoga practice. Yoga is great because you can work on your spirituality and physical wellness at the same time.
Overall, your faith and beliefs bring a sense of belonging and peace and your spiritual wellness practice can increase your health.
So what about you?
Are your actions tuned in with your spirituality?
How do you express your spiritual wellness?
This is so true. Mind and body are a WHOLE! finding That balance is critical. Thank you for the reminder.
I liked what you said that you can be spiritual without religion. I think it is so important for people to understand this concept. I find my spirituality in so many ways. I don’t need to wear a sign saying my beliefs. People need to respect each other for how they live and the good things they do for each other. We are very diverse. Everyone should be respected for their beliefs as long as they don’t hurt or cause harm to others.
It is so important to have a sense of purpose. The question “Why am I here” often comes to mind. It is important to believe in your own worth in order to have a healthy mindset and body. Thanks for this reminder.
This is such a great article. I find exercise boosts your well-being but exercise alone doesn’t always bring the peace that prayer or meditation brings. Having a combination of both can really create focus and a well rounded healthy mind :)