Religion is often said to be in decline in the 21st Century. However, research indicates that nearly 80% of Americans still describe themselves as religious.
For all the negative media attention religions can receive, there are many benefits of religion that tend to be overlooked. For example, improved mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re curious about how being religious can benefit your mental health, read on.
Benefits of Religion: Community
Religion often means belonging to an establishment or group, like a church or temple. This group provides a community, not only of shared values and beliefs but also of other factors.
If you attend your local church or place of worship, you sharing worship with people from your local area. This in turn expands your social circle and your connection to local networks.
Having a support network is scientifically understood to be very important for mental wellbeing. Expanding your circle to include those who have the same religious beliefs can provide a lot of comfort.
In pandemic times, many people struggled without the physical presence of their spiritual community. However, many discovered the benefits of online worship and found comfort from it during these difficult times. Look here for more information on the benefits of an online church.
Religion and Structure
Developing daily routines and habits is important for mental health. When in a period of depression or other mental illness, routine is one of the first things to go out of the window. Working, cooking, even basic hygiene like showering, can all seem impossible when you’re in a bad place.
Devotion to a higher power can include rituals and practices, like daily prayer. Loving your god through structured worship is a commitment that may feel easier to fulfill than other daily tasks. In short – you can love your god even when it feels like you can’t love yourself.
Most religions offer different levels of commitment. This comes with varying levels of routine. Depending on your individual needs and preferences, this can be great for your well-being.
Religion Provides Hope
It’s a common human experience to struggle with the meaning of life. This can lead to feelings such as a lack of purpose, which in turn can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
Religious people have beliefs that provide answers to some of the biggest questions around human existence. This belief system helps you to navigate difficult life events and times of crisis.
Religion can provide meaning when tragedy strikes, and offer clarity when facing a predicament. If your belief system includes a continuation of existence after death, this can have a profound effect on your feelings around death.
Mental Health Matters
The mental health benefits of religion are plentiful. Whether you’re religious or not, putting mental health first is important for everyone.
For more inspiring articles and uplifting content, check out our other blog posts.
