The modern study of neurotheology focuses on the mind and God

Religion and spirituality have been attributed to better mental health in studies. The aim of the study is to find out how and why this happens.

* The field of neurotheology combines cognitive science and psychology with         religious beliefs and rituals.

* Spirituality and enhanced mental health are connected through a number of       indirect and direct pathways.

* Compassion and love are two constructive impulses that can improve the           wellbeing of the brain.

From its early beginnings many decades ago to the present day, the field of neurotheology continues to develop. Neurotheology is an area of study that attempts to explain the relationship between the brain and our religious and metaphysical self in its most basic form. As I always say, it's critical to think on all aspects of neurotheology in a broad sense. Thus, brain mapping, psychiatry, neurology, medicine, and even anthropology are also part of the "neuro" line. And the "theology" side encompasses not only theology but also a wide range of theological views, behaviors, practices, and experiences.

Spirituality is good for your mental health

Neurotheology covers a wide variety of topics, from esoteric topics like free will, conscience, and the soul to more specific topics like learning how the brain works and the connection between spirituality and physical and mental health. "Applied neurotheology" is a term that may be used to describe this last subject. As a result, applied neurotheology aims to comprehend the health-related facets of our brains as well as our divine self. We should look at how being religious or spiritual, or engaging in different spiritual rituals, can benefit our mental health and well-being.

Spirituality and mental health have been related in an increasing number of studies. Importantly, religious and charismatic people have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, according to surveys. This is common for people of all ages, with research finding that faith and spiritual pursuits will help people avoid mental health issues. Religious and moral values are also relevant for many adults in dealing with multiple life stressors.

Mechanisms that operate in the background

We might wonder what the mechanism of action is if there is a connection between spirituality and good mental health. The processes split into two categories: indirect and primary. The indirect causes are related to particular facets of a tradition that have mental health advantages as a side effect. Going to church or other religiously related social activities, for example, would be helpful and social reinforcement is beneficial to our emotional health in and of itself. We are better at dealing with different life stressors such as issues with careers, marriages, or wellness if we have a larger social support network.

Most religions also teach us to stay away from a variety of high-risk habits that are harmful to our mental health and well-being. Many faiths, for example, instruct people to abstain from alcohol and drugs, refrain from promiscuity, and strive to be humane and generous to others. People who adhere to these beliefs are more likely to avoid mental health issues like drug misuse and are more positive and less stressed. These results have nothing to do with being atheist and all to do with taking the advice of a faith.

Diet and feeding are another intriguing indirect religious method of intervention. When it comes to mental health, diet and nutrition are often ignored, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Many cultures impose dietary restrictions on their members. Hindus, for example, consume more vegetarian diets, and most research to date indicates that consuming a more plant-based diet rich in low-inflammatory foods is beneficial not only to the body but also to the mind. In reality, we're actually doing research with patients with ongoing concussion symptoms to see how dietary changes affect overall brain function.

Mechanisms that work directly

Specific faith rituals, as well as a person's personal sense of faith, are the direct causes of intervention. For the last 30 years studying the brain as people observe various rituals like meditation or praying. It's seen brain modifications linked to unusual mystical rituals like communicating in languages or entering trance states. The brain effects associated with these behaviors are astounding and varied. It should come as no surprise, given that these activities have an effect on people on a variety of levels, including how they think, behave, and view the world around them. As a result, anatomical changes in the brain areas associated with these activities can be expected.

Meditation and praying, for example, stimulate the frontal lobes as well as the language regions of the brain, and evidence shows that this happens not only during the exercise but also over time. Kirtan Kriya meditation was found to increase memory by around 10% to 15%, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, according to a report. These were linked to improvements in the frontal lobe functions of the brain, which control cognitive processes and modulate emotional responses.

Finally, having a personal sense of faith may be protective. When people feel linked to the rest of mankind, a greater entity, or the whole world, they gain a sense of importance and intention in existence, as well as a positive outlook on the future. Having such trust has been shown in a variety of scientific studies to be helpful to one's general physical and mental health.

Neurotheology as a tool for improving brain wellbeing

Applied neurotheology will show us the importance of exploring our religious and metaphysical selves in order to improve our mental health and well-being. And for people who are not religious, secularized activities like meditation and prayer can be helpful for decreasing tension and anxiety. Connecting with the wider community by going on a nature hike, socializing with friends and relatives, or wanting to make your community a safer place by helping people leads to a deeper sense of compassion and empathy, all of which are healthy feelings for the brain.

"Dr. Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist who researches the connection between brain structure and mental states. He is a pioneer in the field of "neurotheology," which is the neurological study of religious and moral experiences. Brain Weaver is his most recent work."