Rolling Out

10 reasons people who read spiritual books live longer

Spiritual or religious reading at least once a week over 10 years resulted in 23% lower risk of death
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com / wavebreakmedia

Reading spiritual books is an activity that has been practiced by people for centuries. It is a way to connect with one’s faith, learn about the world, and find inspiration. But did you know that reading spiritual books may also help you live longer?


There is a growing body of research that suggests that people who read spiritual books tend to live longer than those who do not. For example, a study published in the journal Religion, Brain, & Behavior found that people who reported reading spiritual books or religious texts such as the Bible at least once a week had a 23% lower risk of death from all causes over a 10-year period.


There are a number of possible reasons why reading spiritual books may help people live longer. One reason is that it can help to reduce stress. Studies have shown that stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Reading spiritual books can provide a sense of peace and calm, which can help to reduce stress levels.

Another reason why the practice may help people live longer is that it can promote healthy behaviors. Many religions emphasize the importance of making healthy choices, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances. Reading religious texts can help people to stay motivated to make these healthy choices.


Finally, reading spiritual books can provide people with a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Having a sense of purpose can help people stay motivated and engaged in life, which can lead to better health and well-being.

Here are 10 specific reasons why people who read religious texts or spiritual books live longer:

1. Reduced stress: Reading spiritual books can provide a sense of peace and calm, which can help to reduce stress levels. Stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health, so reducing stress is important for overall well-being.

2. Healthier behaviors: Many religions emphasize the importance of making healthy choices, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances. Reading religious texts can help people to stay motivated to make these healthy choices.

3. Stronger social connections: People who attend religious services and community gatherings such as book club meetings often have strong social connections. Social support is important for both physical and mental health, and it can help people cope with stress and difficult times.

4. Greater sense of purpose and meaning in life: Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can help people stay motivated and engaged in life, which can lead to better health and well-being. Reading religious texts or spiritual books can help people to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

5. Increased resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. People who read spiritual books often have a greater sense of resilience, which can help them to cope with life’s challenges.

6. Improved mental health: Reading spiritual books can help to improve mental health by reducing stress, promoting positive emotions, and providing a sense of hope and optimism.

7. Reduced risk of depression and anxiety: Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health problems in the world. Reading spiritual books can help to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

8. Reduced risk of suicide: Suicide is a serious public health problem, and it is the second leading cause of death for young people in the United States. Studies have shown that people who read spiritual books are less likely to commit suicide.

9. Improved physical health: Reading spiritual books has also been linked to improved physical health. For example, studies have shown that people who read spiritual books are less likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

10. Longer life expectancy: As mentioned above, there is a growing body of research that suggests that people who read religious texts or spiritual books tend to live longer than those who do not.

It is important to note that the benefits of reading the Bible or other religious texts are not limited to religious people. People of all faiths and backgrounds can benefit from reading these books.

If you are interested in a simple way to improve your health and well-being, consider reading religious texts or spiritual books on a regular basis. It can help to reduce stress, promote healthy behaviors, strengthen social connections, increase resilience, improve mental health, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, improve physical health, and lead to a longer life expectancy.

This story was created using AI technology.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join our Newsletter

Sign up for Rolling Out news straight to your inbox.

Read more about:
Also read
Rolling Out