Religion, spirituality, and FAITH impacts on our purpose, values, and experience. Faith can also have an effect on our health.

Attitude + Gratitude = Health

Although there isn’t a lot of peer reviewed research on the impact of faith on health, there have been many mental health studies (with implications for those who are spiritual) that show how certain states of mind make us feel better.

For instance, there have been studies showing the positive impact of gratitude, connectedness, hope, and optimism on our health—all attitudes that can be found throughout religious scriptures and spiritual texts. It follows that having belief in a higher power or practicing organized religion can infuse gratitude and awe in our lives and improve our health.

One paper from the Mayo Clinic cited that: “Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide. Several studies have shown that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.”

A Higher Power in Faith and Health

Additionally, faith in a higher power that controls our destiny or manages our life can help people feel a greater internal sense of control. No longer having to control everything and everyone around us can help combat depression and anxiety, too.

And caring for one’s body also has roots back to Judeo-Christianity. For example, many people practicing religion also abstain from drinking, prioritize meditation, and avoid harmful activities on the body.

There are plenty of positives to take away from faith and its impact on our health. There are also many health promoting habits in faith-based living that have been shown to improve our health and our lives.

Infusing FAITH, GRATITUDE and AWE into our life simply feels good.

 

Sonja Stilp, M.D. is a mother, athlete and the founder of RISE. Dr. Stilp is board-certified and fellowship trained with advanced training in regenerative medicine and biohacking. She is the medical director at Golden BioHack. If you’d like to hear more about gratitude and its impact on health schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Stilp at RISE in Golden, Colorado. For your convenience and connection, Dr. Stilp also offers virtual consultations.