What Is Spiritual Health?
Often overlooked, our spiritual health is key for bringing all aspects of our health together. This deeply personal part of ourselves gives us meaning and purpose, and is pivotal to our healing and wholeness.
But where do you begin when it comes to improving it?
In this blog, we’ll look more deeply into the relationship between spirituality and health, why spirituality is important for wellness, and how you can start to improve your spiritual health.
Understanding what spiritual health really is
Each of us has a spiritual part to our being, which goes beyond what we can see in our physical world. It allows us to understand our connection to the world around us, brings meaning, and gives purpose in life. If we are to maintain optimum health and have the best life experience we can, we must look after all parts of our being. The spiritual aspect of ourselves is what brings all areas of our health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - together as one. To achieve physical and mental wellness, we must look after our body, mind and spirit in equal measures.
Spiritually healthy people are able to better maintain their physical health. When we are feeling balanced and grounded, our healing potential increases, and we are more likely to cope with any health challenges we face. Equally, it is an important factor when it comes to our mental health too. When the spiritual side of our being is cared for, we are more likely to experience feelings of inner strength, hope and a sense of purpose. Feeling grounded spiritually allows you to better understand and cope with your experiences, and feel more confident and supported, particularly if you have a spiritual community around you.
Why is spiritual wellness so important?
Spiritual wellness is the key to connecting our outer and inner worlds. It allows us to develop a sense of joy and purpose, compassion, ethics and morals, and find meaning. It can become hugely neglected in modern life, but our spirit is what makes us who we are. Reasons it’s important to nurture your spiritual health include:
Helps you to find inner peace
Spiritual wellness allows a person to develop a sense of peace within themselves and the world around them. This deep-rooted sense of belonging helps people feel at home in themselves, and feel connected to their purpose.
Allows you to cope better with stress and life’s challenges
When challenges arise, many people find that a strong sense of spiritual connection, and feeling connected to a higher power, helps them to better cope with stress. Improving your spiritual health can have a huge impact on your mindset and outlook on life.
Better relationships with others
Looking after our spiritual wellness allows us to take a more mindful approach to life. This will, in turn, promote healthier connections with other people, as we spend time discovering how to live and love more unconditionally.
Helps you to find wholeness
We are beings of balance, and when our spiritual health is looked after, it will have a positive effect on our physical, emotional and mental health too.
Ways to improve your spiritual health
When it comes to improving your spiritual health, there is no right or wrong way to achieve this. Here are some helpful tips to help you to achieve spiritual health:
Find your purpose
Each of us has a purpose that goes beyond what we can see in the physical. When we are able to find more meaning in life, and see our place in the world, we will feel more spiritually connected. Use introspection and quiet time to begin looking for more purpose and meaning in your life.
Spend time in nature
When we are in nature, we automatically feel more connected and at peace. Take walks and be with the earth whenever you can, to ground yourself and find that inner connection.
Practice gratitude
Feeling thankful has a habit of boosting our mood and general outlook on life. Spending time noticing the good around you will raise your spiritual wellness levels, and have a positive effect on the rest of your health.
Use spiritual practices
Practices such as meditation, prayer, mantra work, chanting, rituals, journaling, breathwork, and movement, all allow us to focus within and connect us to the spiritual aspect of ourselves. Keep consistent with the practice(s) of your choice to nourish your spiritual health.
Seek more joy
If we are to thrive in life, then we must follow our hearts and spend our days focused on the things that bring us the most joy. Joy instantly raises our happiness levels and will benefit our healing process on many levels.
If you would like support with boosting your spiritual health and feeling more connected to your spirituality, our spiritual coaching services can guide you towards finding optimum wellness. Get in touch today to explore how Gareth can support you, and to arrange your free 30 minute consultation.