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Spirituality can be defined as a belief that something is greater than oneself. This belief can be based on religious traditions, but it could also include a belief in a higher power for spiritual needs.
Spirituality is a way to see the world beyond what we experience on a physical and sensory level.
It suggests instead that something greater than all of us connects us and the universe. This indicates that there is an ongoing existence even after death. It aims to answer questions about life, the connection between people, the universe, and other mysteries about human existence.
Many people find spirituality and religious activities a source of comfort and relief from stress.
Spirituality and its impact
Although specific religious views are important, research has shown some benefits to spirituality and other spiritual activities. These results might not surprise anyone who believes in spirituality or has experienced comfort from it, but they are certainly noteworthy because they show many benefits to these activities.
Here are some more positive results related to spirituality and its influence on mental and physical health.
Studies have shown that spirituality and religion can help people deal with stress. One study showed that people could cope better with stress by having daily spiritual experiences. 2
Research has shown that older women are grateful to God more than older men. They also experience greater stress-buffering effects from this gratitude.
Some of the most importantly spiritual needs of the elderly are mentioned below:
Spiritual Needs
- Everybody needs to feel the empowerment and healing of love, whether from another person, oneself, or an ultimate source.
- Everybody needs to experience moments of transcendence, times that allow us to expand beyond our immediate sensory spheres.
- Everyone needs to have a sense of purpose and hope in the face of loss, tragedy, and failure.
- Every person needs to have a deeper awareness of their oneness with others and the natural world.
- Spiritual resources are essential for healing the pains of guilt, shame, resentment, and unforgiveness. Spiritual resources are also needed to increase our trust, self-esteem, joy, and love for life.
Importance
- Spiritual care is an integral part of holistic nursing care. The nurse must evaluate, diagnose and respond to each patient’s spiritual needs. The patient’s spiritual needs can be met, leading to healing, pain relief, and personal growth. The spiritual needs of the elderly nurses experience less stress and burnout.
- A patient’s holistic care requires the nurse to address emotional and physical needs. Spiritual care is an aspect of holistic nursing care. It is commonly included in textbooks that introduce fundamental concepts of nursing. It can be easy to ignore or ignore spiritual care for fear of intruding on the patient’s beliefs.
- Spirituality can be expressed in other ways than religion. These are just a few ways people can nurture their spirit.
- Relationships with friends, family, or neighbors show love, support, kindness, and loyalty.
- Expression of creativity or artistic ability (e.g., sewing or woodworking, writing poetry, making music or painting);
- Appreciating the visual and performing arts (e.g., going to a concert, visiting an art gallery, or watching a movie).
- Engaging in conversation about the meaning and value of life through books;
- Paying attention to their emotional lives and the emotions that drive them, such as sadness, longings, love, anxiety/fears, anger, joy, pride, hope, and compassion, is a great way to see the movement of the spirit.
Some of the ways to cherish spiritual needs are as under:
Enjoying the natural world
Such as gardening, hiking, watching songbirds and sunsets, traveling to scenic locations, staying at a cottage, or savoring the first snowfall. Connecting with their bodies through meditation, massage, dance, eating, drinking, and exercise;
Enjoying comedy and humor
Light-hearted banter in daily conversation, the ability to see the humor in life’s frustrating moments or comedies on stage, in books, or in films. Living ethically means integrating justice, fairness, peace-making, and green practices into one’s life.
Demonstrate Christ-like Attitude
Your patients should be treated the same way God loves you. You should not just love someone but also love and see the best in them. This means that you treat them as the person closest to you, regardless of what they say or how you treat them. Love is not always an emotion. Sometimes, it’s a choice not to feel loved. Smile even when you don’t feel it. Make eye contact with others, listen with compassion, and give without expecting anything in return.
You can listen to your fears and concerns without worrying about what you might do.
It’s easy to tell someone how you feel and then go on about your experience. Remember, however, that your primary role is to care for the patient. It’s easier to provide spiritual and emotional support by naming the emotions patients or their family members express and then asking a follow-up question. You could say, “I hear lots of fear in your voice.” Could you please tell me from where it’s coming? Or “You seem very down.” Could you please share what’s happening?
Don’t be offended if they aren’t willing to talk to you. Please take it as a sign that things aren’t going according to plan.
Bottom line
The truth is that each person’s spiritual needs differ when dealing with end-of-life issues. Talking to a minister, chaplain or counselor is a great way to explore them. Spiritual needs are not the same thing as religious needs. They are much more.
Whether others recognize it or not – and whether others recognize it – everyone has a spiritual dimension. Whatever their life purpose, there is always something that gives meaning to them. Everyone will need spiritual guidance at the end of their lives. We should recognize these needs.
You may have questions about the meaning and purpose of life, morality, or religious issues that you want to discuss with a chaplain. These concerns may be present even if you are not religious. So, spiritual needs are as an essential part of our daily lives, and we should not ignore their importance.