Having a Purpose is your Pathway to Health, Mental Wellness & Spiritual Growth Rachel Devine
Living with purpose serves as an anchor, offering us direction amidst life's challenges. It is a beacon guiding us to healthier lifestyles, improved mental wellness, and profound spiritual growth. These benefits are supported by robust research and statistics, demonstrating how our life purpose significantly contributes to our overall well-being. Having a life purpose, a passionate pursuit, that gives you a reason to look forward to each day, is rewarding beyond measure. However, the health, mental and spiritual benefits are extremely important to connect with.
This is one of my favorite, my purpose in life quotes, by Harold Kushner author of, When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough.
“Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter so the world will be at least be a little bit different for our having passed through it.”
Deep down inside, I believe we all want to pass through life with purpose. Finding your purpose is what transforms lives. Let’s look at, my purpose in life examples.
Life Purpose and Physical Health
Research consistently shows a strong correlation between having a clear life purpose and physical health. A study published in "Medical News Today,” indicated that individuals who led a purposeful life had a 15.2% lower risk of death compared to those who did not perceive their lives as purposeful. The participants who lived with purpose were more inclined to engage in health-promoting behaviors like regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep, all contributing to better physical health.
For instance, consider renowned chef Jamie Oliver, who has made it his life's mission to promote healthier eating habits. His clear sense of purpose likely contributes to his physical health as he passionately pursues this goal.
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey credits her sense of purpose in uplifting others through media as a driver of her commitment to physical fitness. She wakes up at 5am daily for meditation and exercise to maintain the energy and focus required for her demanding career. In an interview with Harvard Business Review, she stated “My purpose fuels me constantly. Every day I try to fulfill my potential and accomplish something new that will help and inspire others.”
The Impact of Purpose on Mental Health
Life purpose also has profound effects on our mental health. According to a study published in "Psychology Today” says that having a purpose better mental health,oeverall well-being and cognitive function. These individuals had more resilience and a lower risk of experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression.
For example, actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, who has faced personal hardships and health challenges, has often spoken about how her humanitarian work provides her with a deep sense of purpose that enhances her mental resilience.
Another example, comedian Kevin Hart turned his difficult life experiences into inspiration for laughter and positivity. Despite challenges like his father’s drug addiction, Hart devoted himself to the purpose of spreading joy through comedy. He frequently cites the mental health benefits of pursuing this meaningful career, saying “There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with making someone smile or laugh...It keeps me level-headed and grounded."
Life Purpose and Spiritual Well-being
The link between life purpose and spiritual well-being is profound. From my own experience, having spirituality or religion in life has encouraged me to find my purpose, which is writing. My writing helps humanity in a myriad of ways. On the other hand, having a purpose often leads to a sense of interconnectedness, fulfillment, and higher consciousness. Spirituality and purpose go hand-in-hand.
Biblical scriptures also emphasize the importance of living with purpose. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This scripture suggests that everyone has a unique, predestined purpose.
Take, for example, Martin Luther King Jr., whose purpose was deeply connected to his spiritual beliefs. His purpose—to fight for civil rights—was an extension of his spiritual convictions, and his spiritual growth further reinforced his life's purpose. His spiritual convictions also influenced this very famous unifying quote, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Holocaust survivor and renowned author Viktor Frankl wrote in his memoir, Man’s Search for Meaning, “Man does not simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become in the next moment. By the same token, every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.”
Discovering Your Life Purpose
Uncovering your life purpose involves introspection and self-discovery. Start by identifying your passions, values, and strengths. Reflect on where you can make a difference. Meditation and mindfulness can also aid in this introspective journey. Whatever you love doing, that brings you purpose, and serves humanity, therein lies your purpose in life.
Biblical teachings emphasize that each of us has a unique purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) states, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This suggests that discovering and embracing our purpose is part of a larger, divine plan.
Our life purpose serves as a catalyst for physical health, mental resilience, and spiritual growth. It offers a profound sense of fulfillment and guides us toward a more enlightened path. Living with purpose encourages us to lead healthier lives, boosts our mental resilience, and fosters spiritual development. As we journey through life, let us remember to seek out and connect with our unique purpose, transforming our lives into a testament of growth, resilience, and profound fulfillment.
Rachel Devine is the author of, The Third Road & Lessons from the Needle in a Haystack.
Have you found your purpose in life? Or are you still searching for your purpose? Has this blog helped you with more awareness on the benefits of having a purpose? Please leave a comment in the box below.