What is spirituality? Is it the same as religion?

Spirituality is a broad concept with many definitions. Entire books have been written on the subject.^1,2 Spirituality often involves the following:

• Determining what gives you a sense of meaning in life
• Connecting with something “bigger than us”

The writer and professor Frederic Craigie says it simply: spirituality is “what life is about.”³  

Religion and spirituality are discussed together, but they are not the same. Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that is often defined by a specific community or social group. Examples of major religions include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. 

Religion may include spirituality. But, spirituality doesn’t have to involve religion. People of the same religion may also experience spirituality in different ways. 

Spirituality is our experience of how we relate to whatever is greater than ourselves and gives meaning to our lives. It is an experience unique to each person. At the same time, it also involves how we are connected to one another.

What does spirituality have to do with health?

Research has found that religion and spirituality may affect a range of health issues.^4,5

• Physical health. People who attend weekly services with a supportive community have longer life spans.⁶ Research has found that religious people smoke less, exercise more, eat more healthy foods, and engage in less risky sexual practices, on average.
• Mental health. Spirituality can mean building meaning and connection. Meaning and connection are central to mental health. Having them can build optimism and reduce depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Spirituality can help individuals manage problems like chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and stroke. For example, having a spiritual practice (like praying or working with forgiveness) can help people tolerate pain and function better.⁷ Spirituality can give people more strength to handle stress, loss, and the effects of war.