How Can Spirituality Affect Your Family’s Health?
Can spirituality promote a healthier
physical life for your family? Recent
medical studies indicate that
spiritual people are less prone to
smoking, and drug and alcohol
abuse, for example), and have
less stress and a greater total life
satisfaction.
Much of the research linking spiritual
and physical health has involved
elderly patients; however, the data
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 more
take a second look. Studies show
that religion and faith can help to
disease by:
•
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
of spirituality on medical outcome:
In a 7-year study of senior citizens,
religious involvement was associated
with less physical disability and less
by: STEVEN DOWSHEN, MD
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 give people a sense of
purpose and guidelines for living.
When families face tough situations,
including health problems, their
religious beliefs and practices
helplessness, restore meaning and
order to life situations, and help
them regain a sense of control. For
some families, spirituality can be a
powerful and important source of
strength.
Can Spiritual Beliefs Enhance
Parenting?
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
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.
2018. February - 31 - vervemagazines.com
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