5 Key Benefits of Spirituality You Should Know About
What role does spirituality play in your life? How does your spiritual connection affect your physical or mental health?
There isn’t one overarching definition of spirituality, but most people agree that spiritual wellness refers to believing in something greater than yourself. This “something” can be a formal higher power, but it can also be anything that provides you with a sense of purpose or meaning.
Spiritual wellness isn’t a specific religious concept. Instead, it’s a way of life that can allow you to live freely, graciously, and happily. Let’s get into some of the top benefits.
Decreased Stress
Americans are among the most stressed populations globally, with over half of adults reporting they experience stress throughout the day. We feel stressed over issues about work, money, family obligations, and our health.
Unfortunately, chronic stress tends to compound itself. That means, if you don’t address and cope with your feelings, tension tends to increase and fester over time. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or try to suppress or numb how you feel.
Over the long-term, stress can wreak havoc on your immune system. It can affect your sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Many people who experience chronic stress also experience co-occurring issues like depression or anxiety. Therefore, it’s no surprise that stress is associated with numerous health concerns.
Fortunately, spirituality can help with the stress response. Spirituality is rooted in mindfulness and accepting the present moment. This refreshing mindset may allow you to embrace a positive perspective when navigating life’s daily challenges.
Deeper and More Fulfilling Relationships
Embracing mindfulness and acceptance opens space for love and generosity. Spiritual people tend to be more compassionate, grateful, and altruistic. These traits are associated with having more meaningful relationships.
If you are a member of a church or temple, the social aspect can be extremely rewarding. It can feel uplifting to surround yourself with like-minded individuals on a similar spiritual path.
That said, you certainly don’t have to join an organized religion to reap the social benefits. Embracing a spiritual mindset can make you feel more curious and interested in the world around you. That mindset opens you to meeting new friends and strengthening your existing relationships.
Improved Emotional Regulation
Many people who embrace spirituality also embrace concepts like prayer, meditation, or self-reflection. With practice, these rituals can help boost your mental health. They allow you to practice coping with life issues positively and productively.
We cannot control the people or specific events that happen in our lives. We can only control our response. Learning how to pause, assess, and shift your thinking can make a tremendous difference in how you cope with different stressors.
Spirituality can play a profound role in decreasing symptoms of depression or anxiety. It’s not a medical cure, but it can be a launchpad for improving your emotional wellness. Even if you’re participating in therapy or taking medication, spirituality is another component that can enhance your life satisfaction.
Sense of Values and Moral Compass
Your spirituality can shape the values and ethics of how you live your life. Many spiritual people prioritize values like family, generosity, and kindness. They may be more patient and forgiving of the people around them.
This benefit can be invaluable. In a world that can seem complicated and cluttered, there can be such gratitude in learning how to live more richly, slowly, and gratefully.
Increased Longevity
Research shows that spiritual people don’t just live happier lives, but they also tend to have greater life expectancies. It appears that several variables contribute to this phenomenon.
First, spirituality provides a sense of support throughout the lifetime. Spiritual communities can provide a sense of kinship, and this support can help people cope with traumas and adversities. This is especially important as people age because isolation can be a severe detriment to one’s well-being.
Additionally, as mentioned, spirituality can provide a framework for how to live your life. This framework may lend a hand to making more positive lifestyle choices. It may also act as a protective factor in avoiding more dangerous or impulsive vices, promoting greater physical health.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Spirituality
The benefits of spirituality extend beyond any cookie-cutter list. Spirituality can allow you to live a more meaningful and satisfying life. It can pave a beautiful, intentional path towards self-acceptance, freedom, and purpose.
At Willow Counseling, we work with people from all backgrounds and religions. Spirituality is an individual process, and there is no right-or-wrong way to embrace this concept. If you want to work on your spiritual wellness, we are here to support you on your journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Willow Counseling, PLLC – Nashville, TN
Willow Counseling, PLLC exists to provide quality trauma-informed mental health counseling to the Nashville community, recognizing the interconnectedness of our emotional, spiritual and physical selves. We work together to alleviate symptoms, learn better coping skills, relieve burdens, remove the pain of trauma, and so much more. However, our greatest desire is for you to know what it means to feel purpose and joy again and to recognize the strength and worth you have to offer the world.
