Can Spirituality Really Affect Your Health? A Scientist Explains

While fewer Americans believe in God and millennials are the least religious generation in the last few decades, nine out of ten Americans have relied on prayerin times of duress. So, what is it about spirituality that keeps drawing people back in, even as our culture seems to be shifting away from it?

It's pretty obvious when you think about it. Whether you're Christian or Buddhist or a mindful yogi, spirituality of all kinds improves health, happiness, and even longevity. (And we've got the data to prove it.)

To name just a few of the benefits—spiritual people are more likely to be very happy, they live longer, they're at a lower risk for depression and suicide, they're more resilient, more faithful in their relationships, more satisfied with their familylives, and they even have happier children.

But how does all this happen? What's the connection?

Well, there are a lot of ways spirituality can affect your physical and emotional health. Here are a few of the most profound:

1. Highly religious people are more likely to volunteer or donate to the poor.

Research has shown that regular community service buffers you against the effects of stress, leading to a longer life.

2. Highly spiritual people are more likely to meditate to cope with stress.

Forty-two percent of highly spiritual people will meditate when stressed rather than overeat or indulge in other unhealthy coping behaviors. And, as you've probably heard, meditation has all kinds of benefits—from improved health,happiness, and focus to decreased pain and depression.

3. Religious people have a built-in community.

After food and shelter, social connection is the top predictor of health, happiness, and longevity. Religious people are more likely to spend time with family and feel a strong sense of belonging to a community of like-minded people.

4. Religious and spiritual people believe in the power of prayer.

Prayer helps people find comfort by helping them deal with difficult emotions,encourages forgiveness, and leads to healthier relationships.

So, cultivate your spiritual side—take a yoga class, volunteer at a homeless shelter, or go on a silent retreat—and you'll begin to see your life change for the better.