13/06/2025
A groundbreaking study by researchers at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that worship might actually help people live longer. Led by Professor Tyler VanderWeele, the study followed over 74,000 women for more than 16 years and discovered that those who attended religious services at least once a week had a 33% lower risk of early death compared to those who didn't.
One possible reason for this is the biological and psychological impact of religious experiences. Worship, prayer, and singing can trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation.
Studies have also found that deep spiritual practices, such as prayer and meditation, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to lower heart rates, reduced cortisol levels, and improved overall health.
