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S<\/span>piritual practices are specific activities you do to deepen your relationships with the sacred and the world around you. They can include meditation, breathing exercises, prayer or conducting rituals. They can be done alone or in the company and with others.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Life is full of choices and if you want to live a more spiritual life and appreciate its benefits, you\u2019ll want to make choices that allow you to practice spirituality regularly. Studies on spirituality and psychological well-being show a positive association but sometimes (let\u2019s be honest, all of the time?), life gets busy. Life isn\u2019t about to slow down for us so if you want to enjoy the health and well-being benefits a regular spirituality practice affords, you have to plan for it. Make it a daily habit or ritual to focus on your practice.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Spending time in nature, journaling, practicing gratitude, yoga, meditation, painting, all of these can be a form of spiritual self-care. They allow for deeper exploration and reflection for greater clarity on our emotions and thoughts.<\/p>\n The activities don\u2019t need to be complicated, take a lot of time or cost anything. You can start each day meditating, saying a prayer or exercising. You can head outdoors mid-day to enjoy time in nature. You can read books on spirituality. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it aligns with your values because you\u2019ll be more likely to make it a regular habit if you enjoy the experience.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Setting boundaries is an important part of our mental health and wellbeing. It\u2019s so easy to say yes when we\u2019re asking because we may feel guilty for saying no. It may help to remember relationships are a two-way street and no one wants their colleague, friend or family member to feel obligated or angry to do something they don\u2019t want to do. Would you? If saying no immediately is a challenge, let the person know you\u2019d like some time to think about the ask or suggest they reach out to someone else. We\u2019re all in this journey of life together and learning to say no allows you to give your full attention to the people and experiences you want in your life.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This sounds simple enough since we cannot survive without breathing. Except most of us aren\u2019t breathing correctly. I didn\u2019t even know this was possible until my physical therapist brought it to my attention. Short and shallow breaths use your shoulders rather than your diaphragm to move air in and out of your lungs. According to Harvard Business Review, \u201cwhen you inhale, your heart rate speeds up. When you exhale, it slows down. Breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of eight for just a few minutes can start to calm your nervous system.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking care of ourselves is part of a daily spiritual practice. Enhancing our sense of purpose and meaning increases feelings of happiness and well-being. Taking time throughout the day to inhale and exhale deep breaths gives us the space to also focus on what we\u2019re grateful for at that particular time.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n We don\u2019t know what we don\u2019t know or sometimes it helps to have an accountability partner.\u00a0 A regularly scheduled meeting with a therapist or spiritual mentor who can guide and advise can help you gain insights into things you\u2019ve never even considered. Connecting with others who have similar intentions will help you develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Taking the time to put spirituality into practice can help us bring a sense of purpose and peace in our life. As we begin a new year, it\u2019s also a great time to reflect on what is working for us, what isn\u2019t and carve out time to do more of the things that bring us peace and happiness.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n#1<\/strong> Plan Your Spirituality Practice<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#2 <\/strong>Engage in Spiritual Self-Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#3 <\/strong>Learn When to Say No<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
#4 <\/strong>Don\u2019t Forget to Breathe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#5 <\/strong>Seek Support from a Spiritual Mentor or Therapist<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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