Having a spiritual connection is not the first thing to pop up in your mind when you want to improve your mental health, but studies show that it is, in fact, a very effective technique that allows you to look and move forward, as well as improve your overall attitude towards your life and yourself. Being diagnosed with an illness is not easy, but building your hope, faith, and improving your outlook towards life play a role in the way you feel. Having spirituality is not the same as being religious, although the two may intersect. Hence, even if you are not religious, this technique may work for you. Spirituality is something that anyone can experience. It helps us give our lives meaning, can bring us hope when we are suffering through an unexplainable experience, and pushes us to create a nice relationship with ourselves and others.
Effect of Spirituality on Mental Health
During times when you are going through a lot, it is essential to have faith and accept what is currently occurring. This may be difficult to do, especially if you feel lost, as though there is nothing that will make you feel better. Developing your spirituality during these times is crucial to change your mindset. In fact, research shows an association between religiosity and spirituality with well-being and dealing with stress.
Forgiveness is important within spirituality and is defined as “a freely-made choice to give up revenge and resentment towards a person who caused hurt and to strive to respond to generosity, compassion, and kindness towards that person.” Forgiving someone for having done something to hurt you is easier than feeling all this pent-up anger and pain and not be able to do anything with it. It is better to accept what happened, forgive, move forward, and strive to move beyond the anguish.
Spirituality can lead to flourishing. Flourishing is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities; can cope with the normal stressors of life and work productively and fruitfully; and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” When you have an experience that is transforming – with God or any other force – you may experience powerful and positive feelings, which will make you flourish within your community and yourself.
Another association with spirituality is resilience. Resilience is defined as the ability of a person to push through hardships and recover from them. These traits are essential to your well-being, and being spiritual can greatly assist you getting to them
Ways to Practice Spirituality
- You could belong in a faith group, and participate in activities with in-group members
- Go on retreats, or even pilgrimages
- Enjoy the nature!
- Teamwork – in this case, give from yourself through acting compassionately with groups
- Meditate
- Follow yoga traditions, or other similarities
- Listen to sacred and devotional songs
- Join activities that require trust
- Make friendships that mainly revolve around trust