Spirituality is something I talk about frequently with the patients in my family medicine practice. Many aspects go into someone’s spirituality, including finding a purpose, feeling strong and grounded, and getting closer and more in-tune with whatever higher power you believe in.
Spirituality comes in all shapes and sizes. We don’t all come from the same denomination or believe in the same things, and I respect the diversity of each one of my patients. As a family medicine doctor, I do believe that it is very important to periodically ground yourself and be more in tune with your own body and your surroundings. This may come in the form of prayer at church, meditation at home, a yoga class, or practicing mindful and purposeful thought.
There are many health benefits that come from spirituality and meditation. Many studies in this area have been done and have shown improvement with pain, blood pressure, stress, emotional dysfunction, sleep, energy and brain function.
Breathing techniques have been shown to be extremely beneficial, especially when implemented into a prayer or meditation practice. Working on breathing techniques such as 4-7-8 and Bikram yoga (aka hot yoga) have been shown to improve parasympathetic function, which improves lymphatic drainage from the brain, strengthens the immune system, improves adrenal health, lowers blood pressure, lowers cortisol spikes, and improves sleep. The parasympathetic system allows your body to relax and detox, which is much needed after a long day of stress.
Breathing tip: Try out the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Close your lips and inhale through your nose for a count of four. Then, hold your breath for a count of seven. Then, exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, for a count of eight. This completes one cycle.
Spirituality practices can also create a sense of peace and happiness that can help enhance overall health and well-being. Feeling strength within yourself and grounded in your spirituality can even pave the way to helping you find your purpose.
In my family medicine practice, I work with each patient to identify the most meaningful and appropriate way to incorporate spirituality into their journey to wellness. That may include recommending personalized yoga techniques or specific breathing techniques that you can work on throughout the day. Or it may involve becoming active in your community as a volunteer, or joining a church of your choosing. These activities can help us remain humble and remind us of the importance of being more mindful as a species and better stewards of this planet.
None of us are immune to life stressors, but we can help mitigate the side effects and live our best lives through a good spiritual practice – whatever that looks like for you.
I so believe in the power of spiritual health, that it is one of my 5 Pillars of Health and Wellness©. If you would like to explore what spirituality is to you and how spirituality fits into your journey to health and wellness, please get in touch.