This Is How Spiritual Wellness Impacts Your Physical and Mental Health

Spiritual wellness is the path to inner peace, regardless of the turmoil around you.

Spirit describes the capacity to have faith, and to recognize the links between you, others, and the world around you. It does not necessarily correlate with a religious belief, although this might form an important part of your spirituality.
 

“The spiritual dimension draws upon the sources that inspire and uplift you and tie you to timeless truths of humanity.” – Stephen Covey

 
Spirit is also reflected in places that draw a connection, such as places you grew up in, the beaches you surfed, lakes, mountains, and rivers, or the lands of your ancestors – all have spiritual significance!

You will also find spiritual connections in your friends and family, peer groups, community, etc. These are all powerful bonds that can help you maintain a sense of “belonging” even when things are not going well.
 
 

What Is Spirituality?

Spirituality is definitely a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than us; and it typically involves a search for meaning in life.

It is a universal human experience that touches us all. People often describe a spiritual experience as sacred or as a deep sense of being and interconnectedness.
 

 
 
Spirituality speaks of the feelings we carry, such as our beliefs or the connectedness that we feel to that which is beyond the tangible world. It can describe the meaning we attach toward social groups, places, religion, or faith.

Belief represents the inner truths you have built up as a result of your spiritual journey and the experiences you have had.

In the words of Stephen Covey, “The spiritual dimension is your center, your commitment to your value system. It draws upon the sources that inspire and uplift you and tie you to timeless truths of humanity.”
 
 

What Is Spiritual Wellness?

There is no concrete way to define or explain what spiritual wellness includes in measurable terms, though spiritual wellness is tied to the sense of our souls being connected to the universe and beyond.

As spirits, we are a small part of the universe and our spiritual wellness influences our purpose, existence, and how we happen to look at our experiences and relationships in life!
 
 

How Does Spirituality Enhance Your Health?

Spirituality builds upon our belief systems, our willpower, and grit – qualities essential in overcoming hard obstacles in life.

There are benefits concerning cognitive and emotional health as well. Spiritual teens and adults perform well academically and lead overall productive lives.
 

There is a strong and crucial relationship between spirituality and health.

 
Spirituality is a personal practice so how it enhances your health will depend on your methods, frequency of practice, and overall philosophies.

As Gautama Buddha said, “The secret of health for both mind and body is . . . live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

There is a strong and crucial relationship between spirituality and health.
 
 

Here Are 3 Ways Your Spiritual Wellness Can Impact Your Physical Health:

Spirituality and physical health are interconnected. Here’s how spiritual wellness can positively impact physical wellness.
 

1. Improves Immunity

Taking walks in nature and praying are known to boost immunity and fight against diseases.

The body’s “fight-or-flight” response subsides, and the body’s cells go into “rest-and-repair” mode. This allows the immune system to heal your entire body.

Learn About the Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic Nervous Systems and How Yoga Affects Each

Thus, meditation and prayer are incredibly beneficial for soothing and helping to prevent stress and sickness.
 

2. Promotes Longevity

Practicing spirituality also means inculcating positive habits like eating healthy and exercising. These have shown to improve quality of life and help promote longevity.
 

3. Regulates Blood Pressure

Spirituality reduces stress levels and triggers the relaxation response in the body. This ends up lowering your blood pressure by allowing blood vessels to relax and improve blood flow.
 

Here Are 3 Ways Spiritual Wellness Can Impact Mental Health:

Spirituality and mental health are also interconnected. Here’s how spiritual wellbeing can impact your emotional and mental wellbeing.

Here Are 8 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health Today (And Keep It That Way)
 

1. Helps You Connect

Spirituality enables you to connect and establish community with likeminded people. Whether you practice yoga, attend a women’s circle or prayer group, or seek out different forms of spiritual connection, you will find a deeper sense of community and connect with people from all walks of life.

Socializing with others is important for mental wellbeing. It improves your mood, promotes a sense of bonding, and brings more joy into your daily life.
 

2. Removes Emotional Blockages

People who have gone through trauma, grief, or unfortunate events in life are often left scarred. Spirituality helps them work through those emotions and allows them to forgive themselves or others.

This removes emotional blockages and fosters positive thinking – both of which have been shown to have profound effects in every sphere of life.

13 Ways to Tell If You Are Emotionally Healthy (And How to Get There If You Answered No)
 

3. Ease Depression

We feel depressed when we feel a sense of loss or a lack of direction. Spirituality helps you connect to your center and your higher Self and instills a sense of purpose.

Reflection, meditation, and discovering peace and stillness can help ease symptoms of depression. However this is not to say that spirituality is a cure-all or a replacement for outside help when you need it.

Yoga May Be Able to Help Relieve Symptoms of Depression – Here’s How
 
 
 

The Takeaway on Spiritual Wellness

Spirituality and spiritual wellness have far-reaching impacts on your overall health and wellbeing.

Do you feel that your spiritual wellness is strong? Or do you feel you need to offer your spiritual health more attention and care?

Whatever the case may be, be sure to give your spiritual wellness its fair share of attention – your physical and mental health will thank you for it.

All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.