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What does it mean to be spiritual? Can I be spiritual if I am an atheist? Am I still spiritual if I don't follow the rules of my religion? These are some questions we ask ourselves when we are questioned about our spiritual inclinations. Spirituality is a difficult term to describe. We can broadly describe it as a connection to or a belief in a greater force that governs us. When spirituality gets institutionalised it is called religion and the greater force we seek becomes God. Truth be told, one doesn't need a religion or belief in God to be spiritual. But having a spiritual inclination enriches us with love, tolerance, compassion, patience, detachment and hope. Today, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that connects spirituality to overall well-being. Here are some benefits of having a spiritual inclination towards life.
1 Spirituality can prevent depression
In your trying times, have you ever turned to God for an answer? Have you felt hopeful after a prayer? It shouldn't be surprising because many studies have shown a connection between spirituality and reduced depression. A 2014 study showed that parts of the brain cortex thicken with regular meditation and other spiritual or religious practices. This could guard the brain against depression, especially if you have a high risk of the disease.1
2 Spirituality can reduce suicide rates
Being spiritual and religion can literally save your life. It gives you the mental strength to soldier on, even when the going gets tough. A 2016 study in the JAMA Networks Journal has shown that women who attended religious services had a lower risk of suicides compared the ones who never attended. 2
3 Spirituality gives you a happy family life
Studies say that those who attend religious services and have a spiritual outlook towards life have a happier family life. Religious people have been known to have better romantic relationships. Study says that people who pray for their spouses enjoy better commitment with each other. Adolescents who attend religious services with their parents are more likely to experience better well being.3
4 Spirituality helps you cope better
Turning to a higher power in times of need helps you cope better with the ups and downs in life. Spirituality also relaxes the nervous system and boosts the immune system. A study showed that HIV positive women, who are prone to depression, learn to cope with their illness better with spirituality.4
5 Spiritual people live longer
When you have faith and hope in a higher power, you tend to live longer. In a study conducted by Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health published in 2016 in the JAMA, religious and spiritual people who attend mosques, synagogues, temples and churches have lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer etc.5
References:
1.Miller, L., Bansal, R., Wickramaratne, P., Hao, X., Tenke, C. E., Weissman, M. M., & Peterson, B. S. (2014). Neuroanatomical Correlates of Religiosity and Spirituality: A Study in Adults at High and Low Familial Risk for Depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(2), 128 135. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.3067
2.Shanshan, L., Stampfer, M. J., Williams, D. R., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2016). RELIGIOUS SERVICE ATTENDANCE AND MORTALITY AMONG WOMEN. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(6), 777 785. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1615
3.Mahoney, A. (2010). Religion in families 1999 to 2009: A relational spirituality framework. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 72(4), 805 827. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00732.x
4.Dalmida, S. G. (2006). SPIRITUALITY, MENTAL HEALTH, PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH HIV/AIDS: INTEGRATING SPIRITUALITY INTO MENTAL HEALTH CARE. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 27(2), 185 198. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840500436958
5.Li, S., Stampfer, M. J., Williams, D. R., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2016). Association of religious service attendance with mortality among women. JAMA internal medicine, 176(6), 777-785.
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