• Helps Patient Thrive After a Major Surgery: Doctors in New Hampshire studied 232 older people after heart surgery for a critical period of 6 months. They found that 2 of the most important predictors of survival were being part of a community and having strong religious faith. The study shows that people who didn’t have these things were more likely to die during this time.
• Heals Your Heart: Another research study showed that heart patients who were prayed for by a home prayer group were less likely to need antibiotics or suffer from surgery complications. The chances to die after surgery were reduced to a considerable percentage. This was true although the heart patients didn’t even know they were being prayed for.
• Overcomes High Blood Pressure: Being a religious person can actually protect you from this section serious condition. There are number of research studies to support above statement. According to North Carolina study on 112 women, spirituality proved to be important than diet, physical activity, smoking and drinking alcohol. Researchers believe that the comfort of faith may be the key. Among other things it improves your ability to cope with stress.

Reap the Health Benefits of Believing Religion:
Believe it or not but spirituality can improve your overall health. According to a research study mortality rate of religious people was less as compared to people who are not religious. To reap the benefits of faith and religion you don’t need to attend formal services. Even by being privately spiritual will give you benefits. But if you want to reap maximum benefits its better to be a part of larger religious community. Other things you can do to get most out your faith are listed below:

• Make Time to Pray: Each day dedicate some time to practice your religious faith. Meditate or pray which you find appropriate and comfortable. It is better to practice at the beginning of the day.
• Join a Group and Share your Thoughts: It is advisable to join a community or scholarly group that meets consistently to share faith and ideas. This will be a good source for social support. Having such friends in your life is vitally important.
• Spend Time with Family and Friends: Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to get together with people you care about, but it’s important for your health and happiness.
• Practice Forgiveness and Peace: Major religions contain an element of both these concepts. If you can let go of past hurts and feel calm about present, you can reduce the stress in your life and all the health problems it can cause.

California researchers conducted a research study over 5000 religious people for 28 years. They found that people being part of their religious communities were less likely to die from any cause. It also found that people who attended community services more frequently were the healthiest of all.

Scientists think that people who frequently take part in religious services may have better health practices, more social contacts and more chances to stay married. These are all factors that keep you in good health.