The Benefits of Spiritual Wellness and 6 Activities to Improve It
July 24, 2022In today’s technology-driven, fast-paced world, it can be easy to neglect our inner lives. But research shows that spirituality––be it through traditional religion, meditation, or something of your own making––can have lasting, positive effects on our mental health, self-esteem, anger management, and even, yes, physical health.
Benefits of Spiritual Wellness
According to the Center for Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness Care, the benefits of spirituality can include:
- Help reduce stress and depression
- Reduce anxiety
- Lower blood pressure (and therefore, risk of heart disease)
- Strengthen your immune system and lower blood sugar
- Help sustain concentration, memory and cognition
No matter what, make sure your journey is in the hands of someone you trust – you don’t have to do it alone.
Activity 3: Take ten during the workday to reflect
The most important element of self-care is dedication. When we’re busy, and work tasks and to-do lists are heaping up, it can be hard to give ourselves permission to do something as seemingly selfish and “unproductive” as taking care of our own needs. But this way of thinking can lead to burnout, and chances are, if you’ve had these thoughts, you’re neglecting your spiritual side, too.
Reduce anxiety by giving yourself permission to take 10 minutes out of the workday (like a cigarette break, except it’s good for your soul and won’t give you lung disease) to attend to your spiritual needs. Maybe this is a moment of silent prayer, reflection via journaling, or an anxiety-reducing exercise––it’s up to you. The important thing is that you prioritize yourself and give your spiritual wellness the attention it deserves.
Activity 4: Meditation
The benefits of meditation for your overall wellness––including stress reduction, improved emotional health, boosted self-awareness and more––are well-known. If you’re not a practitioner already, dip your toe in with this simple, attainable intro exercise:
- Find a comfortable, seated position in a quiet, distraction-free space. (No lotus pose necessary! Be gentle with yourself as you start your journey.)
- Set a timer for five minutes. (It’ll feel long, trust me!)
- Begin by focusing on your breathing. Count to five on your inhale, and five on your exhale. Focus on the feeling of the breath as it enters and exits your body.
- If your mind wanders, that’s okay! You’re doing an exercise with mental muscles you’ve never used before––it’s normal to find it difficult. Just bring your mind back, gently, to your breath.
If you do better with prompting, join a meditation group or get started with a free trial to a popular meditation app like Simple Habit or Headspace.
Activity 5: Yoga
Yoga pairs elements of meditation and breathing with a full-body workout, a holistic approach that increases flexibility, improves overall health, promotes better sleep and more, all while reducing stress and anxiety.
There are tons of resources for starting your own practice even if you can’t find yoga classes nearby. We love the free YouTube videos from Austin, Texas-based teacher Yoga With Adriene, and also the luxe lifestyle box Do A Shot of Yoga!, which sets you up with props, yoga journals, learning resources and more. Stick with this one––it gets easier, and the benefits for physical health and mental health are worth it.
Activity 6: Explore ancient practices
Many modern practitioners in recent years have turned to ancient tradition to inspire their spiritual growth. With the resurgence in interest in astrology, and crystal healing, it’s no surprise to spy crystals on your friend’s dashboard or spot someone walking down the street in a “Witch, Please!” shirt as capitalism collides with craft.
Activity 6: Care for the body
At the base of Maslow’s hierarchy are those physiological needs: In short, you’ve got to make sure you’re taking care of your physical health before you can approach spiritual wellness. Make self-care part of your practice: exercise, drink water, and eat right.
Try indulging in some DIY bath bombs, or treat yourself to a therapist-curated bliss experience with Therabox, which combines a monthly “happiness activity” with wellness goodies like aromatherapy, bath salts, skincare products and more. Caring for that body reminds you that you’re dedicated to yourself, and frees you up to focus on the big stuff.
Activity 7: Do good works
Volunteerism, mentoring, and giving back your communities can powerfully nourish you. Revisit those self-reflection questions to consider the values that drive you and how you exhibit them in your actions. Whether you think globally and act locally or pursue good works across the world, volunteering can help you just as much as it helps others.
Activity 8: Build your own rituals
Your spirituality is yours and yours alone – so honor the things that matter to you. Consider making a DIY shrine to celebrate what’s at your spiritual core, or use this easy worksheet to create your own rituals.
If you’re curious about herbalism and crystals, there are a wealth of avenues to explore. We recommend dipping your toe in with Tamed Wild Apothecary, a monthly herbalism subscription with an emphasis on teas, tinctures, essential oils, crystals and more, plus a new intention-setting ritual each month. For a more modern feel, check out Goddess Provisions, an empowering box that promotes “the goddess within” with jewelry, bath products, crystals, snacks and more.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, keep the faith––you’re on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are three characteristics of spiritual wellness?
Three characteristics of a strong spiritual wellness practice are reduced stress, inner balance, and mental clarity.
What contributes to spiritual wellness?
Practices such as meditating, yoga, and living your life in alignment with your values help contribute to spiritual wellness.
What are signs of spiritual wellness?
Signs of spiritual wellness include a sense of calm, inner contentment, and a greater ability to deal with stress.