In these times of challenges of all types, are you feeling stressed? It is common to do so. Faith and spirituality always have been resources to help cope with stressors, as I and my co-author discussed in our recent book ("I Can't Take It Anymore: How to Manage Stress so It Doesn't Manage You", by Paul G. Longobardi, Ph.D., and Janice B. Longobardi, R.N., P.H.N., available at Amazon books at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542458056. Here is an excerpt from that discussion:
A less tangible—but no less useful—way to find stress relief is through faith or spirituality. Faith is a belief or trust in God, while spirituality is an attachment to religious values. Whichever term you prefer, the concept can be used to successfully reduce stress and improve quality of life.
At its core, spirituality helps to give our lives context. It's not necessarily connected to a specific belief system or even religious worship. Instead, it arises from your connection with yourself and with others, the development of your personal value system, and your search for meaning in life.
For many, spirituality takes the form of religious observance, prayer, meditation, or a belief in a higher power. For others, it can be found in nature, music, art, or a secular community. Spirituality is different for everyone.
How can spirituality help with stress relief? Spirituality has many benefits for stress relief and overall mental health. It can help you:
1. Feel a sense of purpose. Cultivating your spirituality may help uncover what's most meaningful in your life. By clarifying what's most important, you can focus less on the unimportant things and eliminate stress.
2. Connect to the world. The more you feel you have a purpose in the world, the less solitary you feel—even when you're alone. This can lead to a valuable inner peace during difficult times.
3. Release control. When you feel part of a greater whole, you realize that you aren't responsible for everything that happens in life. You can share the burden of tough times, as well as the joys of life's blessings with those around you.
4. Expand your support network. Whether you find spirituality in a church, mosque or synagogue, in your family, or in nature walks with a friend, this sharing of spiritual expression can help build relationships.
5. Lead a healthier life. People who consider themselves spiritual appear to be better able to cope with stress, and heal from illness or addiction faster.
Many different research studies have established a connection between faith/spirituality and stress relief. In general, studies and scientific reviews have shown promise in demonstrating that the greater the amount of religiousness (faith) that people have, the greater the positive effects on their mental health and stress reduction.
There have been some studies showing a connection between spirituality and a slowing of the effects of dementing illness in older adults (Hill, 2006; Kaufman, Anaki, Binns, & Freedman, 2007). Explanations have been offered in terms of the buffering effects of the production of endorphins (hormones known to be related to feelings of well-being) in spiritual moments.
Uncovering your spirituality will take some self-discovery. Here are some questions to ask yourself to discover what experiences and values define you:
• What are your important relationships?
• What do you value most in your life?
• What people give you a sense of community?
• What inspires you and gives you hope?
• What brings you joy?
• What are your proudest achievements?
The answers to such questions help you identify the most important people and experiences in your life. With this information, you can focus your search for spirituality on the relationships and activities in life that have helped define you as a person, and those that continue to inspire your personal growth.
There is more discussion in the chapter but I hope you see that faith and spirituality play a role in handling the stressors of life. Consider the role it might play in your life. Best wishes on your journey. Remember, the book is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542458056
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For information on these and related topics, please visit my website at www.successandmindset.com.