When we created Soph Wellness, we wanted to keep learning & unlearning: this helps us stay curious and have a healthy balance of perspectives. With Paus; as a physical space where mind, body, and soul healing modalities – it excites us to research and question to navigate different pillars that can help us discover more with the intention for health + wellbeing in general.
That being said, because wellness is holistic, we believe spirituality is an important facet. We asked ourselves, “How does spirituality contribute to better well-being?”
We stumbled on several studies about how religion & spirituality have a positive impact on health. And one that stood out is from Mayo Clinic concluding 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. Addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.”
Religion & spirituality have a stronger impact on mental health. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness in the US, religion gives people something to believe in and a community to connect and reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use. Spirituality on the other hand encourages meditation and self-reflection, and helps an individual have a sense of connection to the environment which positively impacts emotional wellbeing, too.
We also learned that health care is deeply rooted in religious institutions and vice versa.
It’s not always positive though. For some religious people, being sick means being abandoned by God. And this contributes to a stressed mind.
It’s also important to note that religion & spirituality have both positively and negatively impacted society during this pandemic. From compassion, andhelping out others to blaming race & opposite beliefs, we can see both unity and division at play.
What are your thoughts on this?
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