Spirituality has been defined as “the individual and personal beliefs” that a person holds, and, according to National Alliance on Mental Illness, often includes a “sense of connection with something bigger than themselves.” It is frequently viewed as different and sometimes separate from religion, which is an organized system of beliefs held by a community. Many people who identify as religious also consider themselves spiritual; however, there are an increasing number of people who identify as spiritual without any religious identification or affiliation, according to PEW Research Center.

Spirituality encourages a person to look inward (into their own inner world and soul), as well as outward (to understand how they are connected to the world around them). It offers the opportunity for each person to understand the meaning of life, and to feel a part of a larger purpose that is bigger than themselves. Because spirituality, by definition, looks vastly different for each person, it is crucial to understand personal and spiritual beliefs within a holistic framework.

Spirituality has been found to have multiple benefits that contribute to overall health and well-being. It can help decrease anxiety, depression, substance use, suicidal ideations, PTSD and other mental health struggles, according to an article published in World Journal of Clinical Cases. Many individuals connect to their spirituality through rituals and practices that have become ingrained in therapeutic and personal development settings, including mindfulness, meditation, self-reflection, awareness and artistic expression. By placing importance on individual spiritual development and practices, spirituality can be a source of profound self-empowerment and personal growth, and can help bring about acceptance by, and connection with, people of many backgrounds.

While spirituality will look vastly different to each individual, there are many simple practices that can be incorporated into a daily routine in order to promote spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well-being. By incorporating silence and solitude, breathwork, time in nature, journaling and centering meditations, one may explore new spiritual depths and reach a deeper sense of well-being.