Despite differences in rituals and beliefs among the world's religions, spirituality often enhances health and prevents depression, according to various researchers.
A new report from the Oregon State University links spirituality with good health.
A new report from the Oregon State University links spirituality with good health.
Picture kindly shared by artist Peter McGrath
Religion and spirituality have distinct but complementary influences on health, new research indicates. A new theoretical model defines the two distinct pathways. "Religion helps regulate behavior and health habits, while spirituality regulates your emotions, how you feel," explains a gerontology professor in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at OSU.
Religiousness, such as following and practicing formal religions, is associated with better health habits, such as lower smoking rates and reduced alcohol consumption. As a child, I felt a comfort in listening to a religious teacher and wanted to conform to the ways of the church and fit in with my friends. As an adult, I don't smoke, drink alcohol, or eat rubbish food. I follow a routine with what I take into my body—it's a temple.
Spirituality, including meditation and private prayer, helps regulate emotions, which aids physiological effects such as blood pressure. This is a practice used in private, regardless of a person's faith. I meditate every morning—have done so for thirty years. On a chilly morning, I notice my body heats up. My breathing deepens and I feel at peace when I start my day. It's good to know my blood pressure is regulated, along with many other parts I'm sure.
Religiousness, such as following and practicing formal religions, is associated with better health habits, such as lower smoking rates and reduced alcohol consumption. As a child, I felt a comfort in listening to a religious teacher and wanted to conform to the ways of the church and fit in with my friends. As an adult, I don't smoke, drink alcohol, or eat rubbish food. I follow a routine with what I take into my body—it's a temple.
Spirituality, including meditation and private prayer, helps regulate emotions, which aids physiological effects such as blood pressure. This is a practice used in private, regardless of a person's faith. I meditate every morning—have done so for thirty years. On a chilly morning, I notice my body heats up. My breathing deepens and I feel at peace when I start my day. It's good to know my blood pressure is regulated, along with many other parts I'm sure.
Picture kindly shared by artist Peter McGrath
And here's another startling fact. After researchers from the Columbia University Teachers College studied 130 human subjects; they concluded that a thickening of parts of the brain could guard against depression. The brain cortex is associated with regular meditation and other spiritual or religious practice. Researchers found that those who highly valued spirituality showed thicker portions of brain cortices that may protect against depression—particularly those whose genetics predisposed them to depression.
This is so true in my case. Despite my lack of mobility, I'm optimistic and positive. I enjoy each day and constantly give thanks to whoever listens. For one reason or another, maybe fete or luck, a good man loves and cares for me, I have the means to write, and enough money to survive in a caring society.
However, my husband and I differ in our outlook and spirituality. While I believe in goodness, he sees the bad side of every situation. He doesn't sleep well and he worries constantly. While he would like to be convinced of an afterlife, he's not willing to make that jump between the things he sees and his greatest wish.
This is so true in my case. Despite my lack of mobility, I'm optimistic and positive. I enjoy each day and constantly give thanks to whoever listens. For one reason or another, maybe fete or luck, a good man loves and cares for me, I have the means to write, and enough money to survive in a caring society.
However, my husband and I differ in our outlook and spirituality. While I believe in goodness, he sees the bad side of every situation. He doesn't sleep well and he worries constantly. While he would like to be convinced of an afterlife, he's not willing to make that jump between the things he sees and his greatest wish.
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