Can spirituality promote a healthier physical life for your
family? Recent medical studies indicate that spiritual people
exhibit fewer self-destructive behaviors (suicide, smoking, and
drug and alcohol abuse, for example), less stress, and a greater
total life satisfaction.
Much of the research linking spiritual and physical health has
involved elderly patients; however, the data offer a glimpse into a
possible tie between a spiritual life and good health for people of
all ages.
Although spirituality has been shown to reduce depression,
improve blood pressure, and boost the immune system, religious
beliefs should
not
interfere with the medical care kids receive.
So what exactly is spirituality and how can it enhance your
family's health?
Spirituality and Physical Health
Doctors and scientists once avoided the study of spirituality in
connection to medicine, but findings within the past 10 years have
made some take a second look. Studies show that religion and faith
can help to promote good health and fight disease by:
- offering additional social supports, such as religious
outreach groups
- improving coping skills through prayer and a philosophy that
all things have a purpose
Although research on kids hasn't been done, many studies
focusing on adults point to the positive effects of spirituality on
medical outcome:
- In a 7-year study of senior citizens, religious involvement
was associated with less physical disability and less depression.
Death rates were lower than expected before an important
religious holiday, which suggested to researchers that faith
might have postponed death in these cases.
- Elderly people who regularly attended religious services had
healthier immune systems than those who didn't. They were
also more likely to have consistently lower blood pressure.
- Patients undergoing open-heart surgery who received strength
and comfort from their religion were three times more likely to
survive than those who had no religious ties.
Spirituality and Mental Health
Religious and spiritual beliefs are an important part of how
many people deal with life's joys and hardships. Faith can
provide people with a sense of purpose and guidelines for
living.
When families face tough situations, including health problems,
their religious beliefs and practices can help them fight feelings
of helplessness, restore meaning and order to life situations, and
promote regaining a sense of control. For some families,
spirituality can be a powerful and important source of
strength.
Medical studies have confirmed that spirituality can have a
profound effect on mental states. In a study of men who were
hospitalized, nearly half rated religion as helpful in coping with
their illness. A second study showed that the more religious
patients were, the more quickly they recovered from some disorders.
A third study revealed that high levels of hope and optimism, key
factors in fighting depression, were found among those who strictly
practiced their religion.
Can Spiritual Beliefs Enhance Parenting?
Attending organized religious services may help some families
connect with their spiritual values, but it's not the only way.
Less traditional paths also can help kids and parents find
spiritual meaning.
To foster spirituality within your own family, you may want to
examine your own values. Ask yourself: What is important to me? How
well do my daily activities mirror my values? Do I neglect issues
that matter to me because I'm busy spending time on things that
matter less?
Here are other suggestions to start your family's spiritual
journey:
- Explore your roots. In examining your shared past, you and
your kids may connect with values of earlier times and places,
and gain a sense of your extended family's history and
values.
- Examine your involvement in the
community
. If you're already involved in a group, maybe you will want
to take on a larger role - first for you, then as a role model
for your kids. If you haven't joined a community group,
consider investigating those in your area.
- Recall the feelings you had at the birth or adoption of your
child. Try to get back to that moment in your mind, remembering
the hopes and dreams you had. It can be the start of a search for
similar or related feelings in your everyday life.
- Share some silence with your kids. Take a few minutes for
silent meditation alone or together. Think about parenthood, your
life as an individual, and your place in the larger scheme of
things. Spend time discussing these thoughts with your kids and
listen to their ideas on what spirituality means.
- Take a nature walk. Nature has long been an inspiration and
spiritual guide. A walk will relax you and allow you to
contemplate the wonders of the world around you.
- Read books that express spiritual ideas with your kids and
share your thoughts about what you're reading.
This search can be conducted on your own or as part of a larger
group - a religious community, friends, or your own family. Making
a spiritual journey might help you and your family live a healthier
life, both emotionally and physically.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: September 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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