FEATURE: You don’t have to be a nun to get into the habit!

Written by Kathryn Savage

George Michael said it best: “You've got to have, faith, faith, faith.” Now, according to statistical data and years of field research, centenarians living across the globe have got to have faith, too.

Sardinians and Nicoyans tend to be Catholic. Okinawans believe in ancestral worship. Centenarians in Loma Linda, California are Seventh Day Adventists and attend regular religious ceremonies. The simple act of regularly attending a religious service or ceremony seems to be a common thread among cultures with the longest life spans. It doesn’t matter what your faith practice is - attending a religious service - even once a month, seems to have positive effects on overall health and happiness.

The Facts

A study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior followed 2,617 people for seven and a half years and discovered that those who attended regular religious services (one to three times per month) had a longer life expectancy than those who did not. Their evidence mimics statistical data from fitness studies. It appears, going to church is as good for you as going for a jog. An NIH funded study of Seventh Day Adventists resulted in similar reports. The studies 35,000 participants were followed for 30 years. Remarkably, according to data, participants who regularly attended church services were 50 percent less likely to die during the study.

Why? What does religious participation do for you that makes it so great and great for your health?

Friends

Friends are a vital part of living a healthy, happy life. People who attend church have a big social network and a regular meeting place. Weekly, even bimonthly meetings with friends is a great way to talk, connect, relieve stress, laugh, bond and have a good time. Being a part of a community that meets regularly also means being there for other people in their time of need. Participating in a religious community is a great way to connect, bond and share life’s ups and downs.

Release

People who attend church may be less likely to exploit negative, unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking, smoking and use of illegal drugs. Verbal expression, self examination, faith practice, and connecting with others and social bonding are more likely tools for personal release and stress reduction.

Self-Esteem

People who attend church regularly seem to have higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of self-worth than those who don't. Religion encourages positive behaviors and expectations. When people act in accordance with their beliefs they feel good about their lives. They are more likely to find a sense of pride and purpose in the everyday.

Stress Reduction

Belief in a higher power can reduce stress. Living in accordance with your beliefs feels good. If today goes well you deserve it! If it doesn’t, it’s out of your hands, anyway.

Meditation

People who attend routine religious services have a scheduled time to decompress, self-examine and meditate.

To engage your spiritual side, (and reap the longevity rewards) here are a few tips:

If you already belong to a church or other religious group that meets regularly, get involved! Studies suggest that the more you participate the greater the reward and possibly the longer your life. Participation is an investment, and the more you invest, the more, it appears, you gain.

Test Drive

Raised without religion? Had a bad experience? Only like the kind of dog-ma that wags it’s tail? Explore different congregations. Unitarian Universalist churches are creedless and open to all people. Unitarian Universalism is based on the belief that everyone is worthy of love and acceptance. The congregations meet regularly, it’s social, spiritual, you get all the churchy stuff without all the churchy stuff.
Buddhism is another great option. Finding a local zen center can be a community strengthening and meditative experience. The American Ethical Union is a “humanistic religious and educational movement.” You bring the ethics, I’ll bring the donuts and the coffee!

Pick a Sunday, any Sunday...

Give a religious congregation a try! Go with an open mind, wear some pastels. You might find something you want to be involved with, a choir you want to sing in, prayers that you connect to and find spiritually enlightening. Religious community building can be a great, stress reducing, healthy part of life. You don’t have to be a nun to get into the habit!

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