Can what you believe have an impact on your health? A lot of research would say that it can and does. More than 300 studies have been conducted thus far, and most of them (about 75%) have found some relationship between religious/spiritual belief and health. 

Here's what some of the studies reveal: 

· People who actively practice a religious belief, have fewer mental and physical disorders. 

· Religious people need to see the doctor less frequently. 

· People who go to church/temple/synagogue on a weekly basis have a one-third lower death rate than those who go less often. 

· In Israel, researchers found that people who lived in religious kibbutz had death rates half of the rates of those who lived in nonreligious kibbutz. Social support seems to help, but with spiritual beliefs, people seem to live even longer and healthier lives. 

· In Minnesota, it is not uncommon for retired nuns to live past 100 years of age. They are kept active, still make meaningful contributions to others, and, of course, they continue to practice their religious beliefs. 

Why should this be, and how does it relate to stress management? We think it partially has to do with feelings of control. A religious or spiritual person both simultaneously gives up control to the being they worship, and by so doing, gain more control over their total existence. Religion generally gives positive purpose and cause to living. Religion or spiritual beliefs can provide meaning in a world that can otherwise feel random and without meaning. 

Prayer also seems to play a role. When people pray, they engage in a type of meditation, relaxation experience. This has a dramatic impact on stress. Even when people pray out of desperation, they report a feeling of relaxation after prayer. They are attempting to gain control of their life's problems through prayer. All these attitudes can be enormously beneficial when dealing with life's stressors. 

So, does this mean if you don't subscribe to any particular religious belief, that you should go find one and sign up. Of course not. Lots of religious people, in fact, have major health problems and don't manage their stress well at all. And many nonreligious people live long, healthy lives. All the research does is to describe correlations, but in these correlations there is a message. It certainly doesn't hurt to have strong social ties, and having meaning in your life will undoubtedly make it easier for you to understand and cope with major life challenges. 

Janelle M. Barlow, Ph.D.  
Author of The Stress Manager 

Previous "Stress Management Corner" pages: 
      #1  
      #2  
        #3    
      #4    
      #5  
      #6  
      #7  
      #8  
      #9  
    #10  
    #11  
    #12  
    #13  
  

Get involved with the Stress Management Corner. We're looking for stress management questions, relaxation techniques, resources or personal stories. Fax or e-mail your suggestions

 

  Performing Under Pressure Program  

  The Stress Manager Book 

tel: 702 939-1800 
 
fax: 702 939-1804 
 
email:  

Website designed by  
©2005, TMI US