“People who pay attention to their spiritual side have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, depression, stress, and suicide, and their immune systems seem to work better … To a certain extent, adherence to a religion allows them to relinquish the stresses of everyday life to a higher power.”—Dan Buettner, Blue Zones
In the world’s original blue zones areas, all but five of the 263 centenarians studied belonged to a faith-based community. The act of regularly attending a religious service is a common thread among extraordinary cultures across the globe. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter—gathering with others to worship, even just once a month, seems to have a positive effect on an individual’s overall health and happiness.
A study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior revealed that those who attend regular religious services at least once per month had a longer life expectancy than those who did not. It seems that people who nurture their spiritual side lower their risk of heart disease, depression, and stress, while also increasing their immunity.
Why is engaging with a faith-based community good for your health?
- It provides a social network and support system in a regular meeting place to talk and connect.
- It creates a sanctuary in time, allowing for breaks from the rigors of daily life to slow down, rejuvenate your mind, and relieve stress.
- It bolsters a sense of purpose, providing space for individuals to practice their beliefs, values, and give back to their community.
Looking to connect (or reconnect) with your spiritual side? Here are four tips to get you started:
- Get involved. If you already belong to a church of faith community that meets regularly, plan to attend and join in various activities of interest. The more you participate, the greater the reward.
- Go with an open mind. You might find outlets for your gifts, talents, and interests such as singing with a choir, working with children or youth, or volunteering. Being part of a faith community can be a stress-reducing, healthy part of life.
- Do something for someone else. Sometimes the best way to take care of yourself is by taking care of someone else. Studies show that altruism is good for your emotional well-being and can measurably enhance your peace of mind. Not only are you helping someone, but you have the opportunity to meet new friends, uncover hidden talents, and enjoy a sense of purpose.
- Reconnect with yourself. With all of the time we spend plugged in, it’s easy to become disconnected from our inner selves. Spend a few moments each day thinking about who you are, what you believe, and your purpose in the world. Figuring out what is truly important to you can help ease daily frustrations and reduce stress.
SOURCES:
Musick, M., House, J., & Williams, D. (2004). Attendance at Religious Services and Mortality in a National Sample. Journal Of Health And Social Behavior, 45(2), 198-213. doi: 10.1177/002214650404500206
Schwartz, C., Psychosomatic Medicine, September/October 2003; vol 65.