Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA

Remember Your Spiritual Health

Dr. Steve Krauza

As you cultivate your spiritual health you’ll discover that true health comes from above down inside out.

Some people confuse religion with spirituality. We believe that the awareness of your spirituality is related to good health. In fact, these days, most of us recognize that the mind, body and spirit are all interconnected. The health of one affects the health of the other two. Research has shown that some degree of spirituality, shown in positive feelings, a sense of hope, and a belief in a higher power who sustains us, can help someone cope with an illness and help return that person to health.

There are certain ways that you can strengthen the spiritual dimension of your life. These include:

Practicing forgiveness - Staying angry and resentful toward another hurts you more than it does them. Forgiving them, either aloud or in your heart, frees you from the bondage of those emotions so you can move forward in a more loving way.
Practice random acts of kindness - It doesn’t take much to brighten a person’s day. A flower, a phone call, a card, a visit, or an email to say you’re thinking about someone goes a long way and costs very little in terms of money or time.
Spend time doing things that tap into your spirituality - Read something spiritual, pray, meditate, sit on a beach and gaze at the stars, do community service, do a good deed and tell no one.
Don’t sweat the small stuff - Life is too short. At any given time ask yourself, "Will this seem important 20 years, 10 years or even five days from now?"
Practice an attitude of gratitude - Be thankful for what you have in your life, even your challenges. They have a purpose too. Remember to thank God for all you’ve been given. The more you show gratitude, the more you will be given.

Practice living as the spiritual being you are. Do things that make you feel good about yourself and help others. A spiritual life is "we-centered" not "me centered." Be constantly mindful of ways you can demonstrate love.