Do I need to pray every day?

Prayer is very important part of life. It does not matter to which religion or country we belong, prayer is by default one of our daily activities. When we were kids, the elder members of the family ensured that we pray every day.

The significance of praying is much more than just making kids aware of their religion or making them disciplined. Studies show that praying has immense effect on brain health. Since praying is the only time when we are alone and do self analysis, we become aware of our inner desires and emotions. As during this exercise we ‘wish’ for good things, optimism fills our brain, therefore we feel good. Even if we are guilty or in pain, we ask for forgiveness or seek some desired results. In that case too our emotions and stress are released and we feel relaxed. Let’s see some of the effects of praying:

1-      Praying reduces risk of developing depression

2-      It helps in reducing mental and physical stress

3-      The relaxing effect lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disorders and migraines

4-      Chanting and singing song reduces asthma symptoms as well as improves immunity

5-      Increases sense of happiness and optimism

According to Health Psychology studies, prayer and meditation enhances longevity of a person. This is not the result of religious devotion, but of calm and in-controlled behavior. The feel good factor that is experienced after praying actually benefits your body.

Another interesting finding is that prayer makes one gentle and humble. Wonder why? This is by reducing the ego by affecting that area which is associated with the concerned emotion. Therefore a person who prays daily is more gentle and humble than a person who does not.

It does not matter if you pray for religious or spiritual purpose, as long as you are praying; you are doing a favor to your body.