Being spiritual can be amazing for your mental health. Here’s why

Published on:4 November 2020, 19:30pm IST
Spirituality may sound boring to you, but it can bring a deep sense of value to your life. What’s more, it also enhances your mental health.
Geetika Sachdev
Yes, there’s a link between spirituality and mental health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
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Spirituality is definitely more than just another buzzword, even though it means different things to different people. All in all, it is about delving deeper to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Some people feel that spirituality has a connection with religious practices, but that’s not true at all. It is completely detached from anything that has to do with religion. 

Just as taking care of our physical health is important, so is our mental well-being. The pandemic has really brought to the fore several mental health issues that weren’t discussed earlier. In these times of negativity, what really matters is focusing on your inner peace, and that’s exactly what spirituality promotes. 

According to Bhavna Barmi, senior clinical, child and organisational psychologist, spirituality emphasises on the healing of a person and not merely just the illness or the symptoms. 

“It is actually a sense of connection to something bigger than oneself. It helps people understand their interpretations of the meaning of life, and then put it into perspective of others. It also includes healthy practices for the mind and body, which positively influences mental health and emotional well-being, whether we want it or not,” she says. 

There are several other benefits of spirituality for your mental health too. So without further ado, let’s jump right in! 

1. It provides a sense of security and contentment

“Being spiritual can have an incremental effect on an individual’s mental health and well-being through the provision of a sense of security and a framework in the form of a social structure,” explains Kamna Chhibber, a Clinical Psychologist with Fortis La femme GK, New Delhi.

Spirituality can heal your body inside out. 

“The beliefs that individuals hold on to on account of their spirituality serve to act as strong coping mechanisms and facilitate adaptation, especially in the face of difficult circumstances. They can contribute towards bringing in a sense of community, and allows for the enhancement of social support systems. Besides, it also enables the finding of meaning and purpose, allowing one to appreciate what is there, instead of being stuck on what might or could have been, thus facilitating the attainment of contentment as well,” she shares.

2. It heals the body from inside and outside

By practicing spirituality through activities like meditation, you can attain inner peace. Research suggests that meditation can help to balance mind and body, and at the same time reduces strain on the heart. In a nutshell, it helps to heal the body from deep within.

Meditation and other spiritual practices also instil positivity and build resilience, so that you can tackle any adversity without having a nervous breakdown. Spirituality is not something that is a one-time activity, it requires pure dedication!

3. It improves the quality of life

“It definitely builds endorphins, irrespective of any triggers in our system, and ensures better mental and emotional stability. It also improves a person’s sense of self and empowerment,” says Dr Barmi.

“Spirituality focuses on an individual’s connection to what they believe in their own personal growth. More importantly, it accepts any person unconditionally, which gives the person a good sense of self worth, improving mental health. It also renews a sense of belonging in a world where feelings of abandonment and failure leading she adds.

4. It helps you express gratitude

Spirituality is all about giving and sharing, and helps you build a sense of gratitude for all that you have. Never hesitate to call a friend over, or encourage others to practice spirituality. In these times of information overload and negativity, it helps to calm our minds and also eliminates stress and anxiety!

So ladies, involve yourself in spiritual practices and see a positive difference in your life!

Geetika Sachdev Geetika Sachdev
