When you think of attending church service weekly, you might think of the spiritual fulfillment the experience provides. However, did you know you could also enhance your physical and mental health by being an active member of a congregation? The guide below explores this phenomenon.

3 Health Benefits of Attending Church

1. Lower Blood Pressure

A common ailment amongst adults and seniors is rising blood pressure. For this, doctors recommend maintaining a strict diet and exercise regimen. However, you can also lower your next reading by becoming more “religiously active.” A recent medical study shows that those who attend church regularly tend to have lower blood pressures. Those who simply watched religious TV shows or listened to religious radio programs did not reap the same benefits.

2. Improved Sleep

As we age, it gets consistently harder to enjoy a solid night’s sleep. Whether due to chronic ailments or mounting stress, you might have tried sound systems, seen a sleep therapist, and taken pills to get some shut-eye. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who prioritize “religious involvement” are more likely to sleep well. This is because going to church limits “arousal associated with psychological distress,” which affects people on a mental, chemical, and physical level.

3. Decreased Risk of Depression

Considering that over 300 million people suffer from depression, it comes as a welcome surprise that attending church also reduces the risk of developing this mental illness. A JAMA Psychiatry study examined women over 16 years and found that those who went to a religious service at least once a week were five times less likely to commit suicide. Therefore, getting in touch with your spirituality and being consistent about your attendance truly gives some a new lease on life.

If you’re eager to reap these health benefits while developing a relationship with God, head to Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church of Dickinson, TX. With a focus on supporting the community and sharing the word of God, this church is bound to help improve your life in more ways than one. Reverend Kevin Reeves leads worship services, Bible studies, and Sunday school classes so that the whole family can get involved. For more information on their offerings, visit the website. You can also call (409) 218-9339 to speak to a member today.