Turning to a higher power could prove beneficial to your health, according to a recent Norwegian study. The study tracked residents of Nord-Trondelag County, many of whom belong to the Norwegian state church.
“We found that the more often participants went to church, the lower their blood pressure, even when we controlled for a number of other possible explanatory factors,” reports Torgeir Sorensen, one of the researchers.
Conflicting evidence
But another study conducted by Loyola University Health System delivered a different outcome. Instead of focusing on church attendance, it looked at whether study participants carried religion to other parts of their lives.
The Loyola research, involving 200 residents of Maywood, Ill., discovered that among participants who considered themselves religious, 35 percent reported having high blood pressure. By contrast, of those who didn’t carry religion to other parts of their lives, 19.6 percent suffered high blood pressure.
The power of meditation
While there’s differing opinion about whether practicing one’s faith can reduce hypertension, there’s growing evidence to suggest that meditation can.
A 2009 study conducted at American University in Washington tracked 298 students, half of whom practiced transcendental meditation for 20 minutes once or twice a day and half of whom did not. A subgroup in the meditation group was at risk for hypertension. That particular group experienced a decrease in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (6.3 mmHG and 4 mmHG, respectively).
Even the group not at risk for hypertension benefitted from meditation. They reported a reduction of psychological distress, depression and anxiety, and improved coping skills.
Consider yoga
If focusing on an object or chanting a mantra isn’t you, consider yoga. The Internet is full of articles promoting the health benefits of yoga including its ability to help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. According to the Mayo Clinic, hatha yoga may be a good choice for beginners, because of its slower pace and easier movements. The core components of hatha yoga include poses designed to increase strength and flexibility, and breathing to help control your body and quiet your mind.
Before starting yoga, consult with a doctor especially if you suffer from balance problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, severe osteoporosis, pregnancy and artificial joints.
Whether you choose religion, meditation, yoga or something else, it’s also important to assess your overall lifestyle including diet, exercise and stress management.
