THE
HEALING CONNECTION BETWEEN
SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH
A Personal Message
from Drs. Brenda and Erik Slovin…
What,
Exactly, Is The Definition Of Spirituality?
The definition
of spirituality is actually quite broad and can vary from person to person.
Put simply, spirituality is the way you find meaning, hope, comfort and
peace in your life. Many people find spirituality through religion, prayer,
meditation, music, art or communing with nature. Still others find a spiritual
connection in their values and principles. But did you know that science
has discovered a definite link between spirituality and good health?
Contrary
to a popular misconception, spirituality and science really do mix. In
fact, hundreds of scientific studies have shown a positive association
between spirituality and improved health in response to both acute events
and chronic disease.(1)
Spirituality
And Cardiac Health
Having a
strong spiritual foundation not only helps your heart find peace, it can
also promote good cardiac health. For example, anxiety is a known contributor
to heart disease and heart attack. The more anxiety you experience in
day-to-day living, the more likely you are to experience high blood pressure
and other cardiovascular perils. However, research has discovered that
a higher level of spirituality appears to significantly lower the risk
of heart disease and heart attack.(2)
Another very interesting effect of spirituality regarding
cardiac health involves the ability to forgive. We have all experienced
the heartfelt pain of being wronged. But holding onto that pain and refusing
to forgive the offender often causes a grudge that can consume your thoughts
and increase your anxiety. A strong sense of spirituality encourages and
equips you to truly forgive and forget, promoting both physical and emotional
health.
Spirituality
And Aging
As just
discussed, spirituality reduces stress and anxiety, which are two factors
known to cut life short. So your spirituality, the beliefs and values
you embrace, can actually increase your longevity.
Spirituality
also increases a sense of belonging and purpose, which can add years to
your life. In fact, one study determined that people who regularly attend
religious services tend to live as much as seven years longer than those
who do not share this type of social and spiritual connection with others.(3)
Spirituality
And Mental Health
Life often
presents unexpected, and sometimes overwhelming, situations. When faced
with such obstacles as serious illness, domestic violence or the loss
of a loved one, a strong spiritual foundation can provide a boundless
source of strength and comfort. For example, studies have shown that faith
or spirituality actually decreases depression while also increasing a
sense of psychological well-being in victims of domestic violence.(4)
Additionally,
powerful new research indicates that spirituality appears to play a significant
role in increasing survival rates among women with breast cancer.(5)
Dementia
is a cruel affliction that strips its victims of a lifetime of precious
memories. But incredibly encouraging studies show that dementia victims
who possess a spiritual or faith background respond positively to sharing
familiar rituals of their faith. Hymns, reading of scripture or attendance
at familiar worship services often powerfully reconnect dementia victims
with their faith and their community – even those who otherwise
fail to recognize everyday interactions.(6)
Improve
Your Connection Between
Spirituality And Good Health
If you want to improve your spiritual health, following are a few ideas.
Remember, though, that everyone is different, so what works for someone
else may not work for you. You will probably enjoy the best results by
doing what is most comfortable for you personally.
First, identify the things in your life that give you
a sense of peace, comfort, strength, love and connection. Then be sure
to set aside some time each and every day to do those things that help
you spiritually.
You may find that community service or volunteer work
gives you a sense of purpose and compassion.
Spending time praying, meditating, singing devotional
songs or reading inspirational books may put your heart at peace and restore
your sense of faith and hope.
Taking peaceful walks in the quiet of the evening can
be a perfect way to drink in the glory of nature and let the stress of
the day drain from your mind and your body.
Regardless of how you express your own spirituality, it
is important that you tap into its healing power. For within the connection
between mind, body and spirit, there is found an abundance of good health,
longevity and fulfillment.
References:
(1) Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006: 10:41-6
(2) AAOHN J 2006; 54:120-8
(3) Demography 1999; 273-85
(4) Violence Against Women 2006; 12:240-50
(5) Holist Nurs Pract 2006; 20:118
(6) Care Manag J 2004; 5:183-7
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205 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT, 06851
Phone: 203-840-0000
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