The Soulful Journey: Nurturing Mental Health Through Spiritual Practices

Spirituality and Mental Health

Spirituality and mental health are deeply interconnected, with spiritual practices playing a crucial role in nurturing overall well-being. Spirituality can positively influence mental health, emphasizing the importance of integrating spiritual practices into daily life to enhance mental wellbeing.

Holistic Well-Being Practices

Holistic well being is the health of all three parts of us, body, mind and soul. What's good for the body is equally good for the mind and soul and vice versa. When we support one of these areas, consequentially, we support the other aspects too. Spiritual practices support all three aspects of ourselves. Some examples of spiritual practices might be

• Meditation: The art and practice of quieting one's mind. Meditation can be an excellent tool for those dealing with mental health issues. When your mind becomes quiet, your body will also reap benefits like lowered blood pressure, a lower resting heart rate and lessened inflammation.

•  Mindfulness: The practice of staying present of mind. Thoughts and feelings arise without disturbing one's focus and attention to the present moment. Mindfulness can be practiced while doing the most mundane of things, like doing the dishes, or showering. The concept was originally Buddhist, but now is practiced in many faiths. Mindfulness can reduce stress levels and therefore lower the stress hormone cortisol, in the body. By focusing on the present moment, it is impossible to worry about the future (anxiety) or about the past (depression) making this technique perfect for those that suffer with those afflictions.

• Connection to Nature: Having a relationship with the great outdoors and nature doesn't mean you have to live in the woods, or mountains or be a pro hiker. It's cultivating an appreciation for nature in whatever form it comes to you in. If you're a city dweller, this may mean a walk in the park, or listening to the birdsong of the morning, or skating at the outdoor rink in the crisp, fresh winter air. Time in nature also reduces stress, naturally fostering mindfulness, reducing both anxiety and depression. It sparks our souls.

• Creative Expression; Any creativity can reduce mental health problems by way of expression. Getting out what is in your head. Journaling is an excellent technique to getting thoughts and feelings out of your head. Listening or playing music also has this effect. Lyrics can connect us to other humans in a way that reaches our soul. Ever been to a concert and have the hair on your arms stand up? That's energetic connection, and spirit in real time. Why not try your hand at painting, pottery or writing? The benefits of creativity are lowered stress levels, lessening symptoms of anxiety and depression and a sense of accomplishment. Creative expression is our innate connection to spirit.

Mind-Body Connection

The mind and body share an intricate system of connection. As stated before, what is good for one is good for the other. For example, when we exercise, we are not only helping our body, but our mind too. Exercise releases endorphins that improve our mood, it gets our blood circulating and can improve focus and cognitive function. Looking after the body, can improve our mental well being. It can help bring clarity of mind.

The knowledge of this, can bring hope to those who suffer with mental illness. Knowing that something anyone can do, like exercise, or meditation can alleviate mental symptoms is encouraging. In fact, there are programs designed now for mental health patients that include meditation and breathing exercises, along with opportunities for physical exercise.

These practices may help balance what is out of balance in our lives. Working on one area can instantly benefit other areas. That's the beauty of the mind body connection. You don't have to change your whole life to reap the benefits. Working on one thing can influence the other aspects of our selves in a positive way.

Yoga is a practice that has gained a lot of traction in North America. It's techniques offer something for each, mind, body and soul in the respect of it's physical activity (body) breathwork (mind, body) and practice (soul) It is a perfect blend of actions that support us holistically.

Breathing exercises are another example of a technique that holistically supports us. Also called breathwork, It is the practice of intentionally changing the pattern of our breaths that can affect our emotional or physical state It can promote deep relaxation and helps us to recover from stress, It also can strengthen our lungs. It's free and simple to try to incorporate in to your day.

The Impact of Spirituality on Daily Life

For people who suffer with mental illness, integrating some of these practices in to your daily life can feel like going from a black and white world to one full of colour. There is something special about practicing a spiritual technique that connects you to Spirit, or the Creator or Mother Nature or whichever higher power you resonate with.

All of these practices are free to try and take very little time. The key is to pick one, or more if you're so inclined and practice doing them daily. Breathwork only takes minutes, a yoga workout, twenty minutes. Anyone can find the time, and however long your practice is, know that it is time invested in your well being.

• Journaling is another tool that helps us get our thoughts and feelings out of our heads. When you actively write out your thoughts, you release them from the body. Gratitude journaling is a more specific area to focus on that promotes holistic healing and stimulates the law of attraction in to our lives. Sharing with the world what you are grateful for, encourages more of the same in your life. Daily reflection on something you're grateful for inspires more happiness too, uplifting our mood.

• Affirmations are statements you say to yourself that are meant to uplift. We hardly realize how negative we speak of ourselves. Words have power, whether negative or positive, so practice being nice to yourself. While looking in the mirror, try to point out good or positive aspects of yourself. Say them out loud if you can.

Personal Growth Through Spirituality

Everyday life challenges can pose an opportunity for growth depending on how we deal with them. Meditation can be aimed at reducing the size of a problem. If we are in a negative mindset, our problems can seem bigger, even insurmountable, but if we take a positive attitude and use these free tools to overcome them, we can grow as humans, and lessen our suffering. Exploring our spirituality can lead to self discovery which in this day and age is crucial. When we get to know ourselves better, it leaves the door open for growth and enlightenment.

Being open to spirit can enhance your life experience. It offers a free means to connection and for many, this is all that's needed to move from a despondent life to one full of colour and life again.

How much time do you have today to dedicate getting closer to spirit? Can you find five minutes to journal, or meditate? Can you say an affirmation to yourself? It literally takes seconds and your self will thank you. We are so accustomed to being hard on ourselves, why not try a gentler approach. Be kind to you. Get to know spirit. Your mind and body will respond in surprising ways.