According to health experts, that connection can pay off in important ways for both your mind and body.

Research has linked spirituality with well-being and health in the face of life challenges.

People practice spirituality for various reasons, including finding community and fostering a greater sense of hope.

Balanced stones on a pebble beach

Burak Karademir / Getty Images

Finding an approach that has meaning for you is the best way to reap the rewards.

What Spirituality Looks Like

Spirituality is not a single path or belief system.

There are many ways to experience spirituality and the benefits of a spiritual experience.

How you define spirituality will vary.

For some people, it’s the belief in a higher power or a specific religious practice.

Some characteristics of spirituality can include:

Not everyone experiences or expresses spirituality in the same way.

Different Types of Spirituality

There are many different types of spirituality.

Spirituality vs.

Religion: What’s the Difference?

Although spirituality and religion can overlap, here are some key points that differentiate the two.

Prayer works for young and old alike.

Spirituality is a very personal experience, and everyones spiritual path may be unique.

Click below to listen now.

Potential Pitfalls

One potential pitfall of spirituality is a phenomenon known asspiritual bypassing.

Takeaways

Research has noted a link between spirituality and resilience in the face of challenges.

2018;13(1):22-31.

PMID:29892314

Ryff CD.Spirituality and well-being: Theory, science, and the nature connection.Religions (Basel).

2020;11:1997. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01997

Johnson KA.Prayer: A helpful aid in recovery from depression.J Relig Health.

2016;11(7):e0159488.