If you have a spiritual or religious belief, you are much less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.

And having these beliefs is especially important if you’ve suffered from heart disease.  People recovering from heart failure are more likely to suffer a sense of hopelessness and isolation—but having a belief in something bigger can help get them through those difficult times.

Researchers from Duke University Hospital reviewed 47 studies that had explored the level of spiritual beliefs in heart patients.  Those who had spiritual beliefs had a better quality of life and reduced their chances of being readmitted to hospital.

Spirituality can help people find meaning and purpose in life, the researchers say, and it can be different from having a religious belief. 

(Source: JACC: Heart Failure, 2022; doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2022.01.014)

People who went through a programme to improve their psychological outlook reported fewer sick days afterwards, proving the adage that a healthy mind really does lead to a healthy body.

Researchers at the University of Virginia recruited 155 healthy adults either into a psychological wellbeing course or put them on a wait list. The 12-week course taught personal values, strengths and goals, emotional control and mindfulness.

Three months after the course ended, those who had participated reported fewer sick days than those who had stayed on the wait list. They also said they felt better, mentally and physically.

The results reinforce earlier studies that had discovered that happier people also have better cardiovascular health and strong immune systems.

The new study shows that it can improve the health of even those who are generally happy already, the researchers said.

(Source: Psychological Science, 2020; 31: 807; doi: 10.1177/0956797620919673)