Emotional and Mental Support: The Role of Faith and Spirituality

 Our lives consist of so much going on in our daily lives, the big events, family, friends, work, and our faith and spirituality. In all the commotion or hustle and bustle of everything, emotional and mental health should be a priority for you and your loved ones. There are various methods that exist to support mental well-being, incorporating spirituality and faith as your foundation can enrich your overall sense of peace and purpose. Here I will discuss how spiritual or faith based approach can contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life. 

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Understanding Faith and Spirituality

Faith and spirituality is a concept that encompasses a variety of different practices and beliefs that focus on your connection with God, something greater than ourselves. This does not have to necessarily mean religion, that in itself is different than being a follower of Christ. This can help guide you in finding meaning, purpose, and inner peace through different practices and philosophies based on your relationship with God. 

Benefits of Faith and Spirituality for Mental Health

1. Sense of Purpose: Faith and spirituality encourages us to find a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. This can be grounding and provide direction, especially in times of hardship. We can find our purpose through and because of Christ.
2. Our Identity: Just like finding a sense of purpose, we can find our identity through Christ. I am currently going through a workbook and group based on the “Flourish” Workbook, I am on Flourish Year One and we are currently going through our identity through God and how incredibly beautiful it is to find meaning in someone that is the most pure unconditional form of love, grace, and mercy. There are two years of this workbook if you are interested.
3. Inner Peace: Engaging in strengthening our faith, spirituality, relationship with God through prayer, mindfulness, and reading the word of God; it can lead to profound inner peace and calmness. Through reading His word and being in relationship with Him, there is peace and understanding that is beyond beautiful. Now this does not mean hardships no longer exist, it means you have the tools you need to trust that you will be okay and get through it.
4. Community and Support: Faith and spirituality, relationship with God; involve being part of a community. Having a support system of like-minded individuals can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and give you a sense of belonging. These groups can be as big as a church as a whole, bible groups, or just a group of friends that you can fellowship with that have a faith based background. 
5. Coping mechanisms: Faith and spirituality often teaches coping mechanisms and resilience. It can be through prayer, bible study, quiet time with God, or listening to worship music (there are so many different kinds to look into from rock, country, rap, etc., all so you can find what fits you and your style). These can help you deal with life and all it has to offer, the good and the bad, more effectively.
6. Gratitude and Compassion: Faith and spirituality encourages gratitude and compassion, it is hard to dwell on the negativity when you are grateful for all the blessings you have, no matter how small they are. From having a roof over your head to hot water in your home, to a vehicle to get places, to food to eat, to being able to see, talk, walk, use your hands, and so many more; they are all things to be thankful for. This has been shown to improve your mental health. Gratitude helps shape and shift our focus from negatives to positives of life, while compassion encourages empathy and connection with others.

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Incorporating Faith and Spiritual Practices into Daily Life

There are several ways you are able to incorporate faith and spirituality into your daily routine that enhances and encourages your emotional and mental health support:

1. Meditation: Take time or start out at 3 minutes, move to 5 minutes after a while, then 10 minutes, then 15 minutes; to be quiet or meditate with God. This can clear your mind, reduce stress, improve focus, and give you peace and understanding.
2. Mindfulness: Being mindful helps in staying present in the moment. We have so much going on that takes us out of our element, for example mindlessly scrolling on social media that we get caught up in so many other things leading us to forget to pay attention to OUR OWN thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. 
3. Prayer: Being a follower of Christ, regular prayer can provide comfort and connection. It helps build that relationship, He wants you to come to Him through prayer. He is a just God who is the epidemy of love, grace, and mercy. With the relationship you build with God, you create trust that through even the hardest of times, He will protect you, lead you, and grow you for your better future.
4. Journaling: Set time aside to journal daily if you can to reflect on your thoughts, experiences, and your journey with God. I personally have a journal of prayers, writing “Dear God” or “Heavenly Father” and then just writing down my prayer to Him. Whenever I want, I can go back and see how things have changed since that particular prayer, it can help you to see what prayers he answered and how he answered them. This can give you insight and clarity in so many ways.
5. Nature: Being in nature helps you connect to the world around you and grounds you. Nature walks, gardening, hiking, or just sitting outside can help ground you and clear your mind. Nature is stunning, take time to see the incredible creation right outside your doors.
6. Community Involvement: Joining faith groups, church groups, spiritual communities; provide support and a sense of belonging. We are meant to fellowship with others and serve others; this is a way to do it within your communities and with like-minded individuals that encourage your journey in your faith and spirituality.

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Embracing faith and spirituality creates emotional and mental support, providing you with peace, purpose, and connection. Incorporating faith and spiritual practices into your daily routine, you have the tools to nurture your mental well-being and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

If you are interested in utilizing the Flourish Workbooks, Year One and Two; you can find them on Amazon or click on the bolded words for the direct link to the Work book Flourish Year One and Flourish Year Two.

I hope you enjoyed this read and may it bless you and help you!