An increasing number of American women are identifying as spiritual but not necessarily religious, according to stats released by Pew Research, and this new-found spirituality is impacting various aspects of their lives. While it is common knowledge that we can boost our health and well-being by eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity, not everyone is aware of the great impact spirituality can have on our lives.
During periods of ill health, you can find yourself benefiting greatly from engaging in various spiritual practices, such as meditation, that are known to be catalysts for good health. Not only will you feel happier and more relaxed, but your physical health can also be improved in many ways:
It can lower your blood pressure
When you experience periods of extreme stress, your body reacts by releasing a flood of hormones that helps fight off the stressors. The body also increases your blood pressure that causes your heart rate to increase significantly and your blood vessels to become narrower. Persistent stress can lead to hypertension, which if left untreated, can lead to a stroke and even death. According to a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, spiritual practice – and Transcendental Meditation in particular – is able to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It has been found that when you engage in meditation, your body and mind systematically return to a favorable state of equanimity that is conducive to healing.
It can give you peace of mind
Every year, more than 16 million Americans experience bouts of depression ranging from mild to severe. This is often preceded by a feeling of hopelessness and uncertainty of the future. While depression can be treated effectively with both medication and therapy, spiritual practices such as prayer, yoga, psychic consultation and meditation can also ease the symptoms. Whereas meditation allows you to rid your mind of negativity, yoga improves your flexibility and renders you calmer, which will reduce the symptoms of your depression as well. If the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring adds to your depression, you may want to consider seeking out one or two affordable psychic readings that may provide you with more insight into your future. A psychic reading may also be able to help you find your purpose in life by pointing out your talents and helping you hone them into valuable skills and attributes.
It can help you sleep better
If you are one of the nearly 70 million Americans battling with a sleeping disorder, you will know what it feels like to be tired most of the time. Although there are a number of medical conditions (and medications) that can trigger a sleeping disorder, they can also occur as a result of a severe stress response. Regardless of the cause, however, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure that the body’s circadian rhythms return to normal. Engaging in a range of spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation before bedtime will help your body and mind to relax, which will make it easier for you to not only fall asleep, but stay asleep as well.
Spirituality can have a great impact on our overall health and well-being. Whether you have a specific set of symptoms you want to alleviate or you just want to enjoy better health, you can benefit greatly from engaging in a range of spiritual practices.