The Connection Between Spirituality and Health

Research shows that by reducing stress responses, spiritual practices can help us better cope with the challenges of life. But what is spirituality? Most define it separately from religion, which seems to connote dedication to a particular set of practices, many of which seem superstitious or designed to benefit the follower. With a spiritual mindset,  people go from faith to faith, never swaying from a search for a higher purpose or meaning to life. This quest for meaning itself is a spiritual quest, but doesn't become fulfilling until a transcendent source is found. It then becomes the source of values and ultimate purpose, and part of a certain kind of higher-valued mindfulness in all things. To search for the source of meaning, as a quest, a leap, or metered journey, is a risky investment of energy; but to find that it pays off in physical rewards, is excuse enough to try it. 

What the Science Shows: How Spirituality Reduces Stress Responses

Studies have found that when we have a spiritual lifestyle, our bodies respond differently to stress. We experience a decrease in cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, all of which are indicators of stress and are physically damaging. This reduction in stress responses can have a huge positive influence on our overall health. One study on patients that underwent heart surgery found that religious comfort made huge differences in outcomes. Other studies have found similar results, with improved functioning and lowered depression in MS patients, and improved health across a variety of conditions.  

A 2022 study on how religiosity and spirituality are associated with health outcomes of adolescents facing chronic illness, found that spirituality can positively influence physical health outcomes. The authors theorize that this was accomplished by promoting resilience, giving hope, and encouraging adherence to treatments.  Another study in 2021 on patients with COPD, found that higher spiritual well-being was associated with reduced dyspnoea and disease burden in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Generally, positive spiritual coping has been linked to better health functioning and fewer hospitalizations.

Measuring Spirituality Scientifically: Emotional Regulation and Resilience

Spirituality can also help us develop emotional regulation and resilience against stress-related disorders. By cultivating a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, we are better equipped to handle life's challenges.  Spirituality might be defined as the journey of realizing one's purpose, whereby they might "acquire the wisdom to recognize they are a spark of the divine" (Mimi Guarneri M.D.). 

Others have defined spirituality as "the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred" (Dr. Christina Puchalski). 

In response to this spark, humans around the world worship and give thanks, cultivating a wholly different comportment for connectivity and communication. This, in turn, can lead to a range of benefits, including:

• Improved mood and reduced anxiety and harm from physical effects
• Enhanced cognitive function and focus
• Better sleep quality and duration
• A stronger immune system and reduced inflammation

The Power of Spirituality

In this more refined view, spirituality is not just about feeling good; it's about living a life of higher purpose and meaning. When we are connected to our spiritual selves, we are more likely to respond with situational awareness. By embracing a spiritual outlook, we can find a sense of direction and belonging, even in the face of adversity. This can lead to an increasingly fulfilling and purpose-driven life.  When we look at things from a spiritual perspective, different values are immediately more prominent, and our minds become more attuned, our hearts more full of love, and our bodies more able to intelligently respond with resilience.

Key Physiological Effects: The Brain and Spirituality

Research continues to show that engaging in spiritual practices has a profound impact on our brain's neural activity, leading to a range of positive effects on our mental health and emotional well-being.

Activated Brain Regions 

When engaging in spiritual practices, the frontal cortex, responsible for executive function, decision-making, and planning, is stimulated, enabling us to think more critically and make more informed choices. The brain region involved in reward processing, motivation, and pleasure, is also activated. Called the nucleus accumbens, this region is responsible for feelings of joy and contentment.

Influence on Emotions and Reasoning As these brain regions are activated, our emotions, moral reasoning, and concentration are also influenced, leading to a greater sense of discernment and empathy. As we become more attuned to the needs of others, our ability to understand and navigate complex moral dilemmas is enhanced.

Mental Health Benefits The cumulative effect of these changes is a significant improvement in our mental health. We may find it easier to cope with anxiety, as our brain becomes more adept at regulating emotions and responding to stress. Additionally, our emotional well-being is promoted, as we cultivate a greater sense of inner peace, compassion, and self-awareness.

Positive Outcomes By incorporating spiritual practices into our daily lives, we can expect to experience a range of positive outcomes, including:

• Enhanced moral reasoning and decision-making
• Increased empathy and compassion
• Improved emotional regulation
• Better coping mechanisms for anxiety and stress
• Promoted emotional well-being and inner peace

Like our comprehension of the universe, our understanding of our own purpose remains something to be self-discovered, and uncovered, by proper research methodology. It will be interesting to see how future studies explore the role of spirituality in providing meaning, understanding, and a range of physical and psychological benefits. 

Sources

Michele, Aparecida, Cerqueira, Rodrigues., Fernando, Campos, Barbosa., Gabriel, Cesar, Dias, Lopes., Luigi, Santacroce., Pollyanna, Carvalho, Pereira, Lopes. (2023). Intersection Between Spirituality and Neuroscience: Biological Bases of Transcendental Experiences. RGSA, doi: 10.24857/rgsa.v17n9-015

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Ahmad, Zaidul, Fikri, Ismail., Azimatul, Karimah. (2023). 4. Exploring the Impact of Spirituality and Religiousity on Health Related Aspect : A Literature Review. International journal of research publications, doi: 10.47119/ijrp1001401120245979

Alyssa, C., D., Cheadle., Christine, Dunkel, Schetter. (2017). Untangling the mechanisms underlying the links between religiousness, spirituality, and better health. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 11(2) doi: 10.1111/SPC3.12299

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