As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt daily life, we have launched this blog series dedicated entirely to different areas of mental wellness. These blogs are based on a mental wellness initiative that we have started within our communities for our residents entitled “Recharge Your Battery”. This initiative focuses on mental wellness strategies and equips our associates with the tools they need to check in with our residents and to address any needs, just as we would with physical health.
For today’s topic, we’ll be focusing on how spiritual wellness can affect stress relief and your overall wellness. It’s all too often that people to move full steam ahead in their lives without taking the time to check in with their spiritual health. Spiritual health is the glue that holds all other facets of wellness together – it’s something to cling to through life’s challenging times. Additionally, spiritual wellness aids in:
- Feeling a sense of purpose. Cultivating your spirituality may help uncover what’s most meaningful in your life. By clarifying what’s most important, you can focus less on the unimportant things and eliminate unnecessary stress.
- Releasing control. When you feel part of a greater whole, you may realize that you aren’t responsible for everything that happens in life. You can share the burden of tough times as well as the joys of life’s blessings with those around you.
- Leading a healthier life. People who consider themselves spiritual may be better able to cope with stress and may experience health benefits.
To cultivate spiritual wellness, we recommend the below practices.
- Try prayer, meditation, mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help focus your thoughts and find peace of mind.
- Keep a journal to help you express your feelings and record your progress.
- Talk to others whose spiritual lives you admire. Ask questions to learn how they found their way to a fulfilling spiritual life.
If you are going through challenging times, the below scriptures are ones that we cling to and hope that they give you hope and relief.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10