From heart health to mental health to better sleep, see how having a sense of purpose can improve your well-being.
You know that eating well and exercising have health benefits. These are factors you can measure: you can log your calories in a food diary and track your steps in a fitness app. But in our fast-paced, high-pressure world, it's easy to lose sight of the third factor in living a healthy life: a sense of purpose.
The purpose is a difficult factor to measure, and it's different for everyone. Finding yours can be a long journey of self-reflection and full of challenges. But discovering that purpose is a key aspect of achieving overall well-being.
You may also like to read: High blood pressure: the biggest danger is lack of information.
Health Benefits
Having a sense of purpose helps give your life meaning. It helps you determine your values, set goals, and face challenges. Having a sense of purpose can improve your heart health and lower your risk of stroke and heart attack.
A meta-analysis of psychosomatic medicine shows a connection between a strong life purpose and a lower risk of cardiovascular events and death. Research corroborated these findings and also found that young people who had a greater sense of purpose were less likely to be depressed than peers who were not working toward a greater goal.
If you're looking to get more sleep, finding something you're passionate about might even improve your sleep. A study in Sleep Science and Practice reveals that finding meaning appears to improve sleep and decrease the chance of developing sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
You may also like to read: The symptoms of Amoebic Dysentery and the uses of homeopathic medicine,
Tips for Finding Your Purpose
Finding your life's purpose means you'll live happier and healthier, but you'll need to work a little. Positioning yourself in the world is a great way to start.
Trying a new activity, like signing up for a pottery class, striking up a conversation with strangers in a cafe can be inspiring. You can also go back to school, volunteer at an animal shelter, or join a social or professional group to connect with like-minded people. Ultimately, discovering a purpose in life can improve your well-being.
