Spiritual Wellness
By Maisha Ahmed
In these stressful times we all need a way to de-stress and find peace; spiritual wellness practices can help and can be the pause that lets us start again. NY Project Hope is a crisis counseling program that provides support and resources to help people cope with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic
What is the purpose or meaning of our lives? Spiritual wellness aims to answer this very question that has crossed everyone’s minds at least once in their life. You don’t have to be religious to be spiritual nor do you have to be spiritual to be religious. Spiritual wellness is defined as being connected to something greater than oneself and having a set of principles or morals that gives a sense of purpose. It’s a skill that is cultivated all throughout one’s lifetime and can often help us to make decisions and give us the strength to get through the difficult times.
Tips On Cultivating Spiritual Wellness
- Mediating- The term “mediator” is defined as a third party that listens to a party, helps come up with a settlement to a dispute, and provides some form of healing. In the same sense, mediating in spiritual terms is a way to resolve conflicts within one’s self. It is a great way to ground yourself and focus on the present. Here is a quick mediating exercise:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit down. Make sure to time it for at least five minutes.
- Start by focusing on your breathing: Count to five on inhale and another five when you exhale. Feel the breath as it enters and exit your body. If your mind wonders, that’s okay. Let it wonder for a bit then focus on your breathing again.
- Yoga-Yoga is an excellent way to not only reduce emotional and physical strain but it can also help lower stress, boost the immune system, reduce anxiety and depression, and help unblock any barriers than can prevent one from reaching their full spiritual potential.
- Volunteering-Volunteering is the perfect two-way street in which not only you are giving back to the community but you are getting a deep satisfaction within yourself and finding a greater sense of purpose. It feels good to be part of an organization that can make a difference in this world.
- Spending time in nature-I know that in modern times we simply cannot live without our phones, whether it’s for social purposes or constantly searching for work-related updates. But sometimes, it’s just so liberating to take a break from electronics and go for a nice hike or camping trip. Not only can it be therapeutic to just take a moment to sit down and take in the beautiful scenery around you, but spending time in the nature can also boost or influence your creativity!
Benefits of Spiritual Wellness
- Reducing overall stress
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- More positive attitude and living longer
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving social connections
As always, Project Hope is also here to help you! Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone you don’t know! Want to know more about how we can help? Give us a call at 845-762-2275. Talking to us is always free, anonymous, and confidential.
Maisha Ahmed is a crisis counselor from Independent Living, Inc. working on with the NY Project Hope program.
References and Further Reading:
- https://www.cratejoy.com/box-insider/spiritual-wellness-benefits-and-activities/
- https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/september-2016/spiritual-wellness-what-is-your-meaning-and-purpose/
- https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2014/02/7-ways-improve-spiritual-wellness/
- https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/8-ways-to-take-care-of-your-spiritual-health
- https://wildbynature.global/designed-to-be-outside-the-many-benefits-of-time-spent-in-nature/
- https://www.sharecare.com/health/spiritual-wellness-religion/article/health-benefits-of-spirituality