The Psychological and Physical Benefits
of Spiritual/Religious Practices
By Ellen Idler
Through a discussion of current research and related observations, Idler highlights
many of the positive benefits that religious and spiritual practices can have on one’s
health and well-being. Starting at an early age, the choices one makes based on
spiritual beliefs and values directly relate to the creation of certain lifestyle habits, such
as diet, alcohol use, and sexual practices. Moreover, the benefit of a religious
community made up of a variety of individuals from many generations also provides a
strong sense of support and connection. The overall effect of such practices on one’s
health and well-being is found to be positive throughout one’s lifetime.
Meditating, yoga, fasting, walking a prayer circle, making a pilgrimage, taking the
sacraments, singing with a choir, going on a weekend retreat, listening to the words of
inspired speakers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dancing in a group at a wedding,
lighting Advent or Hanukkah candles, saying daily prayers, or contemplating a sunset or
a mountaintop view are all spiritual and religious practices undertaken by many of us in
our daily lives, at special seasons of the year, or maybe just once in a lifetime. Some
practices begin early in life and stretch back to our childhoods, while others may be
sought out in adolescence and young adulthood, representing new paths.
What all of these practices have in common, however, is the way in which they integrate
different aspects of our human experience – our emotions with our intellect or our minds
with our bodies – while also connecting us with others who share similar beliefs. We
seek out these experiences, which are special and set us distinctly apart from our
mundane and ordinary daily lives. These experiences lift us up out of our narrow selves
and give us a glimpse – if only temporary – of another way to view things as a part,
however small, of a larger picture. Spiritual and religious practices that help us integrate
the body, mind, and spirit, also provide psychological and physical benefits, as research
from the past two decades has shown.