Health Benefits of Faith

There has been much research conducted on the faith and health connection. Published research shows that people who attend church regularly tend to be healthier than those who stay away. Churchgoers seem to lead longer lives, have more robust immunity, lower blood pressure, and better recovery times after operations. Here are just some of the health benefits you get by exercising your faith…

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” – I Timothy 4:8

Count Your Blessings

Did you know that stress causes bad bacteria to flourish in your gut (microbiome)? According to Steven Gundry, M.D. author of The Longevity Paradox, “Stress weakens the walls of the gut, triggering inflammation that’s so harmful to health and longevity that researchers have named it ‘inflammaging.’” He recommends taking five minutes daily to reflect on both blessings and challenges. This helps to affirm life with all it challenges and to be grateful for them. A study by the University of California indicates that practicing daily gratitude lowers stress hormone levels by 23%. As Christians, we have a lot to be thankful for. Thank God for allowing you to live life’s experiences and for every blessing. Your gut will thank you for it!

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” – I Chronicles 16:24

Sing a Song of Praise

Sing praises to the Lord! German research suggests setting aside your to-do list and taking a little time to engage in fun including singing along to your favorite song (or even better, hymn). This activity releases large amounts of GABA, a feel-good hormone boosting your energy and soothing soreness within 10 minutes. Better yet, join a choir. Emotional, social, and cognitive benefits are considerable according to research by the University of Sheffield, U.K. Be glad you’re a Christian and fill your heart with song and feel great!

“O, come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” – Psalms 95:1

Read Your Bible

Make reading the bible a priority. Perk up your mornings by reading just 6-10 minutes a day. If you feel like you’re dragging in the morning it might be because you are not getting enough slow-wave sleep to recharge and seize the day. Reading can reduce stress levels by 68% according to research by the University of Sussex. Scientists at the University at Buffalo say reading before you sleep releases serotonin and melatonin, hormones that help you sleep 32% more deeply with extra energy to kickstart your day. It only takes 10 minutes of reading to feel refreshed and it only takes 10 minutes a day to read the bible in one year! Imagine that, 10 minutes of reading scripture to boost body, mind, and spirit!

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalms 119:105

Say Your Prayers

Starting your day with prayer can reduce burnout by 65% according to a study by Duke University. Plus, saying prayer can reduce your symptoms by 85% if you feel like your dragging right now. Their research shows that morning prayer stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system – a network of nerves all over your body that helps you stay calm, clear-headed and energized. Start the morning by speaking to God and banish burnout at the same time! In a previous study by Duke Clinical Research Institute, patients who were prayed for had better recovery rates than those who received standard care.

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” – Colossians 4:2

Enjoy Fellowship

A Detroit study shows that religious involvement is related to better mental and physical health. Findings indicate that one of the major ways religious involvement benefits health is through expanding an individual’s social connections. Social support received from church members mediates the positive relationship between church attendance and specific indicators of health. Results show that faith, seen as a source of strength, has a positive association with chronic conditions while less prayer increases symptoms of depression. Let us gather together!

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

==> Also learn about Revival Starts with Me.