The Science of Spirituality: How Connecting with Something Greater Protects Your Brain and Body
We often think of spirituality as something personal, emotional, or even abstract. But what if your spiritual life actually rewires your brain, strengthens your immune system, and protects your mental health?
That’s exactly what groundbreaking research by Dr. Lisa Miller, professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University and founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, has revealed. Her studies show that spirituality isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s a powerful health practice that builds long-term resilience and well-being.
Let’s explore what the science says—and how you can use this knowledge to support yourself and your family.
How Spirituality Builds a Resilient Brain
In one pivotal study, Dr. Miller and her team looked at 103 individuals who were at high risk for depression (each with a parent who had experienced major depressive disorder). Researchers conducted MRI scans of participants’ brains and also assessed their levels of spiritual or religious commitment.
The results were astounding:
Those who highly valued spirituality had thicker cortical regions in key areas of the brain—especially the prefrontal cortex and parietal lobe, which help regulate emotion, manage stress, and navigate decision-making.
These thicker brain regions are associated with greater emotional resilience and lower risk of depression.
Those with little or no spiritual connection showed thinner cortices, which is a marker linked to vulnerability to depression.
In short, spirituality wasn’t just a belief system—it showed up in the structure of the brain. And it seemed to protect people from developing depression, even when they were genetically at risk.
The Science of Spiritual Connection
The study didn’t focus on one religion or belief system. In fact, participants practiced everything from traditional religious observance to personal spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, or time in nature. The common denominator wasn’t what they believed—it was that they believed, and that they consistently engaged in practices that cultivated a sense of connection to something greater than themselves.
This internal spiritual life correlated with:
Greater resilience to stress
Lower rates of relapse for those with prior depression
Enhanced emotional regulation and self awareness
Spirituality & Overall Health: What the Research Shows
Dr. Miller calls this a “spiritual core”—a part of the human psyche and biology that, when nurtured, helps us thrive, especially during life’s most difficult seasons. Her research, and those she has collaborated with (including neuroscientists and geneticists) shows that a strong spiritual life benefits health as a whole just as much as the mind.
Here’s how:
1. Boosts Immunity and Lowers Inflammation
Spiritual individuals tend to have lower markers of chronic inflammation, a root cause of many illnesses like heart disease, autoimmunity, and even cancer. There’s also evidence that spiritual practices may positively influence gene expression, particularly genes that regulate immune function.
2. Lowers Risk of Addiction and Risky Behaviors
Teens and adults who regularly engage in spiritual practice are less likely to abuse substances or engage in self-harming behaviors. This is especially true for those who’ve experienced trauma or adversity.
3. Strengthens Emotional Regulation
Spirituality helps calm the brain’s fear and stress center (the amygdala) while strengthening the part responsible for wise, grounded decisions (the prefrontal cortex). That means less reactivity and more calm, even in stressful situations. This improves emotional regulation, which is deeply tied to both mental and physical health outcomes—like better sleep, digestion, blood pressure, and hormonal balance.
4. Buffers Against Trauma and Promotes Healing
In her book The Awakened Brain, Miller explains how people who experience trauma but have a spiritual connection are more likely to experience post-traumatic growth—a sense of meaning, clarity, or transformation on the other side of pain. She emphasizes that spiritual openness actually buffers the impact of trauma on long-term health, helping people find meaning and recover more fully.
5. Supports Children and Family Health
Parents who nurture a spiritual life tend to raise more resilient, emotionally grounded, and healthier children overall. These kids are better equipped to handle stress, peer pressure, and even inherited mental health challenges. Spiritual parenting appears to nurture stronger relationships, better coping skills, and healthier life habits.
Grab your free guide—Mindful Mama: A Holistic Guide to Nurturing Yourself and Your Family
So What Counts as “Spirituality”?
Dr. Miller’s research isn’t tied to any one religion or tradition. What matters most is the presence of a felt connection to something greater than the self—whether that’s God, the Universe, nature, inner wisdom, or a sacred presence.
The key factor is how important this connection feels to you, and how often you engage with it intentionally.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
We live in a culture that often overlooks spiritual health in favor of physical and mental interventions alone. But Lisa Miller’s work shows that spirituality is not just a belief system—it’s a biological protective factor.
Whether you meditate, pray, walk barefoot in the grass, or have deep conversations with the Universe, that time is literally reshaping your brain for the better. It's helping you manage stress, bounce back faster, and pass on resilience to your children and loved ones.
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed, spiritual practices might be the most underrated tool in your wellness toolbox.
How to Activate Your Spiritual Core
If you’re wondering how to tap into this protective benefit, Here are five simple, evidence-backed practices to nurture your spiritual core:
Start the Day with Intention—Even 10 minutes of prayer, meditation, reflection, or deep breathing can center your mind and create powerful shifts over time.
Keep a Spiritual Journal—Write about moments when you feel connected, inspired, or guided. Over time, you’ll see patterns that restore your trust in life. Personally, I also like to include gratitude and abundance moments. I’ll write down moments that brought me joy, something my kids said that made me laugh, or unexpected gifts and savings. These little things really add up and show you proof of just how loved and protected you are.
Spend Time in Nature—Whether it’s walking barefoot on the earth or watching a sunset, nature reminds us that we are part of something greater. Nature has a way of reconnecting us with meaning. Walk outside and ask yourself: What is life trying to show me today?
Talk About It—Whether with a friend, therapist, faith community, or spiritual mentor, discussing spiritual experiences can strengthen their impact.
Pass it Down—Share simple practices with your children—like gratitude, wonder, or bedtime blessings. These little moments build emotional strength and a sense of connection.
You may also be interested in my 3-Month Deep Healing Container where we dive into all things health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually!
Spirituality as Your Secret Superpower
What Dr. Lisa Miller’s research ultimately shows is this:
Spirituality is a built-in biological strength. When you nurture it, you’re literally building a stronger brain, a more balanced body, and a more resilient heart.
In a world that often pulls us toward stress, disconnection, and surface-level solutions, returning to your spiritual self might just be the most grounded, powerful, and healing choice you can make.
If you’d like help strengthening your spiritual or emotional foundation, I offer holistic support that blends many healing modalities for the body, mind, and spirit.
Contact me to get your questions answered or check out my offerings to learn more.
Further Reading:
Neuroscience of Spirituality and Depression
Neuroanatomical Correlates of Religiosity and Spirituality
This study found that individuals who placed high importance on spirituality had thicker cortical regions in the brain, which are associated with a lower risk of depression.
Read the study on PubMedSpirituality and Brain Cortex Thickness
An article discussing how spirituality and religion may protect against major depression by thickening the brain cortex.
Read more on Medical Xpress
Spirituality’s Impact on Overall Health
Spirituality and Immune Function
Research exploring the relationship between spirituality, immune parameters, and disease activity, suggesting that spirituality may influence immune function.
Read the article on PMCReligion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications
A comprehensive review of studies examining the effects of religion and spirituality on health, including immune function.
Read the review on PMC
Spirituality in Parenting and Child Development
The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving
Dr. Miller's book presents research on how nurturing a child's spirituality can lead to better mental and physical health outcomes.
Learn more about the bookWhy Kids Who Believe in Something Are Happier and Healthier
An article discussing Dr. Miller's research on the benefits of spirituality in children and adolescents.
Read the article on TIME
Interviews and Discussions
The Science of Spirituality and Impact on Mental Health
Dr. Lisa Miller discusses her research on the connection between spirituality and mental health.
Watch the interview on YouTubeDr. Lisa Miller on The Science of Spirituality
A podcast episode where Dr. Miller delves into the neuroscience of spirituality and its implications for health and resilience.
Listen to the episode