Bill's Brain Blog

6 Ways to Pump Up Your Spiritual Fitness

1. Harness the power of meditation.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease shows that a type of meditation known as Kirtan Kriya improves-psycho-spiritual well-being and spiritual fitness, which it says are important for the preservation of cognitive function and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. A 2020 study by some of the same researchers suggests that spiritual and religious practices, including Kirtan Kriya meditation, are critical components that enhance cognitive well-being, and in some cases, may reverse cognitive decline. In this study, the researchers conclude, “We hope that this article will inspire scientists, clinicians, and patients to embrace this new concept of spiritual fitness and make it part of every multidomain program for the prevention of cognitive disability.”

2. Make prayer a daily practice.

Prayer and meditation are widely recognized to calm stress; improve mood, memory, and focus; Most likely through it's impact enhancing performance and function in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Calendar prayer time just as you schedule time to work out at the gym.

3. Put your faith into action.

Regardless of your belief system, make it a central part of your everyday life. Make the effort to flex your spiritual muscle by putting your faith into action. For example, if the tenets of your faith lie in forgiveness, find it in your heart to release the grudges you hold.

4. Look for a spiritual trainer.

Grow faster by associating with others on a similar path. Find those ahead on the path you can learn from and model. Mentoring those following helps to incorporate lessons faster and deeper. Explore with other to explore and stretch your spirituality.

5. Serve others.

Being of service to others is a key aspect of a healthy spiritual life. Research suggests that whenever you feel down, anxious, or angry it is best to get outside of yourself to change your state of mind. Connect meaningful activities and pleasure, such as volunteering for activities you love. For example, if you love table tennis (the world’s best brain sport!), you might enjoy volunteering to keep score at tournaments.

6. Finding deeper purpose.

Exploring your purpose in life strengthens your spiritual fitness. Here are 6 simple steps to find your purpose.

1. Look inward. What do you love to do?

      (Examples include writing, cooking, design, creating, speaking, teaching, etc. What do you feel qualified to teach?)

1. Look outward. Who do you do it for? How does your work connect you to others?
2. Look back. Are there hurts from your past that you can turn into help for others? (Turn pain into purpose.)
3. Look beyond yourself. What do others need or want from you?
4. Look for transformation. How do they change as a result of what you do?
5. Look to the end. When you die, how do you want to be remembered?

Modified from Amen Clinics