It is 100% possible to boost your brain and resiliency with spirituality. Spirituality is often associated with a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, a feeling of inner peace, and an ability to find meaning and purpose in life. But did you know that it can also change your brain and boost your resiliency in very tangible ways? Research has shown that engaging in spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, can lead to positive changes in the brain’s structure and function. First, we need to understand some brain basics. Then, we explore the mind-body connection as it makes strides in building up our resiliency in action.
Gray Matters Of The Brain
The amount of gray matter in the brain is important because it contains most of the brain’s neuronal cell bodies. These cell bodies are involved in various functions such as sensory perception, memory, decision-making, and emotion regulation.. Increased gray matter density in specific brain regions has been linked to improvements in cognitive & emotional processes. Thus, making it an important factor in brain function and mental well-being. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people who meditate regularly have increased gray matter density in brain regions associated with emotion regulation, attention, and memory. Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that people who have a high level of spiritual well-being have increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Certainly, we could all use a little more of that.
Spirituality Builds Resiliency
Having a sense of spirituality can help ease the stress response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the relaxation response. Engaging in spiritual practices has been shown to activate this system, decreasing stress hormones and reducing physiological stress responses such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, spirituality provides a sense of meaning and purpose in life, which helps individuals cope with stressful situations and feel a greater sense of control over their lives.
But what does this mean for our personal resiliency?
According to Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist and author of “How God Changes Your Brain,” engaging in spiritual practices can help us cope with stress and adversity by activating the brain’s relaxation response. In an interview with the Huffington Post, Dr. Newberg explains, “When we engage in spiritual practices, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us relax and lowers our stress levels. This can help us become more resilient in the face of difficult situations.”
Boosting Your Meaning & Purpose
Furthermore, spirituality provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Consequently, this is a powerful motivator to keep pushing through difficult times. As psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller writes in her book “The Spiritual Child,” “Children who have a sense of spirituality are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, and this sense of purpose and meaning can help them cope with adversity.” At the end of the day, spirituality can has a profound impact on our physical brains and energetic resiliency. By engaging in spiritual practices, we can activate the relaxation response, increase gray matter density in certain brain regions, and find purpose and meaning in life. As Dr. Newberg notes, “Spirituality is a powerful tool for helping us navigate life’s ups and downs, and can help us become more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever challenges come our way.” There are many ways ht you can boost your brain and resiliency with spirituality in practice, you just have to find what works for you. Above all, it’s up to you to harness your Spiritual Responsibility IRL. For now, explore Yogic Self-Care 101 FREE in our Learning Lab.
References:
- Hölzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36-43.
- Miller, L. (2015). The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving. St. Martin’s Press.
- Newberg, A., & Waldman, M. R. (2010). How God Changes Your Brain. Ballantine Books.
- Newberg, A. (2014). How Spirituality Can Help You Handle Stress. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-spirituality-can-help_b_574e5b87e4b0757eaeb0e965