Performing tasks that challenge the mind help us maintain our short-term memories and improve reaction times. Healthy memory is very important to our quality of life as we age. Writing about our stresses and traumatic events has also been found to decrease depression and help us cope with life's uncertainties. Expressing what is hurtful to us seems to have a healing affect on both our minds and bodies. In the last few years, a growing body of research has pointed to the fact that religious observance, belonging to a religious organization, believing in God or a Higher Power is very healthy for us.
Religion seems to be hard wired into our organism.
Having some form of spirituality creates greater contentment, acceptance of life's burdens, social integration and a positive outlook on life and our destiny. One doesn't have to have a conventional or traditional spirituality to benefit from this affect. Make an effort to establish or deepen the close and meaningful relationships in your life. Studies have indicated that those who experience strong social support live longer. Those of us that are happily married, have sex often and are connected to pets do a lot better than those cut-off from close, emotional ties.