The “Spiritual” Approach to Wellness

An overwhelming body of scientific evidence now shows that a holistic, “spiritual” approach to wellness can significantly improve health outcomes, enhancing physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing:

harvard

“Spirituality is linked with better health outcomes and patient care”

- Harvard Medical School, July 12 2022

Spiritual wellness is the strongest protective factor against depression known to medical and social sciences

Bull Menninger Clinic, Fall 2013;77(4):332-48

People who are spiritual tend to live longer.

Health Psychology. 2016 Mar; 35(3):203-10

Spirituality can help to reduce the symptoms and feelings of anxiety

- Mental Health Foundation

Spiritual wellness can have a positive impact on mental health.

National Alliance of Mental Illness

People with high spiritual wellness are less likely to become addicted to substances like alcohol or drugs.

- Spirituality and Addiction, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 18:4, 99-109

People with high spiritual wellness are less likely to be depressed.

Primary Care Companion Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, v.6(3); 2004

What counts as a “spiritual activity”?

Any activity that aligns with your core values and that helps you develop a greater sense of positive purpose and belonging can be considered a spiritual activity. This typically includes one of three kinds of activities:

Connecting with your emotions

through activities like journaling, art, music, exercise, or meditation

Connecting with other people

through acts of kindness, compassion, empathy, and charity

Connecting with something bigger

through nature practices, prayers and mantras, or other rituals

How does it work?

Brain scan data shows that spiritual activity strengthens and improves brain function. Specifically, it helps to develop a thicker parietal cortex, the part of the brain which protects against depression, substance abuse, and mental illness.

In other words, engaging in spiritual activity “exercises your brain” in ways that lead to a healthier life.

brain scan 1brain scan 2brain scan 3brain scan 4

Brain scan graphics courtesy of Dr. Andrew Newberg and Dr. Lisa Miller

The benefits of spiritual activity by the numbers

Regular spiritual activity is proven to act as a “shield” against some of humanity’s biggest mental and physical health issues. People who engage in regular spiritual activity are:

80% less likely to experience Substance Dependence or Abuse

60% less likely to have a Major Depressive Disorder

50-80% less likely to attempt Suicide

70%less likely to engage in Risky behavior

Miller, L. (2016) The Spiritual Child;
The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving

Case study: The US Army

Based on the growing body of scientific evidence about the benefits of spiritual practice, organizations like the U.S. Army are making spiritual wellness a core component of their health and fitness programs. Alongside physical and mental wellness, spiritual wellness is now part of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program.

army logo

The US Army’s FM 7-22 field manual defines spiritual readiness as “the ability to endure and overcome times of stress, hardship, and tragedy by making meaning of life experiences.”

Reducing the epidemic of suicide

Regular spiritual practice is shown to reduce the risk of Suicide by up to 80%, and this evidence is seen across different societal groups including teens, army soldiers, and minorities.

Find Your Inner Light

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