Regardless of whether you rely on meditation, yoga, or religion, caring for your soul is an important part of taking care of yourself that can improve physical and mental health along the way.
Research on this topic finds several reasons for how spirituality is linked to good mental health. They include: having a connection to a greater purpose can alleviate the day-to-day negativity, the release of feel-good hormones such as serotonin or dopamine happens during meditation and prayer, and belonging to a community (through a place of worship or communal space) can help individuals feel supported and get what they need during difficult times.
This interesting article, “Use Spirituality for Stress Relief,” outlines how you can actively use prayer, gratitude, optimism, and more to reduce stress. These are research-supported methods of improving health that are rooted in spirituality.
We have joined with our national affiliate, Mental Health America, to bring awareness to the mental health benefits of being spiritual or religious. Check out their flier on the subject below and join us on social media @mentalhealthct by sharing your favorite inspirational verse or quote and tell us how you incorporate spirituality or religion into your life. Be sure to add #4mind4body so our friends at MHA can be inspired with us!
Click to view the full 2-page flier