Practice meditation consistently to boost compassion, reduce anger, improve executive control, lower blood pressure, and alleviate suffering.
Recite formal, formulaic prayers to physiologically reduce stress by lowering respiration rate, increasing exhalation duration, boosting vagal tone, and decreasing cortisol, fostering a sense of safety.
Make a habit of counting your blessings or expressing gratitude daily, as this practice promotes prosocial behaviors like honesty, patience, generosity, and helpfulness.
Actively participate in a religious community to engage in shared practices like singing, praying, and moving in unison, which strengthens social bonds, increases empathy, and provides health benefits beyond general community involvement.
Regularly and briefly contemplate your own mortality, not morbidly, to reorient your values towards relationships, service, and legacy, which are key drivers of happiness at any age.
Cultivate a personal belief in and relationship with God to reduce feelings of loneliness, providing a constant sense of support and companionship.
When facing overwhelming challenges or addiction, practice surrendering control to a higher power; this involves doing your best, then trusting for help, which significantly reduces stress and anxiety.
During periods of intense sadness or grief, consciously reduce self-focus (e.g., by avoiding excessive grooming or elaborate clothing) and cover mirrors, as these actions can help mitigate the intensity of negative emotions and aid in healthy bereavement.
When grieving, make an effort to consolidate positive memories of the deceased, as this practice is a significant predictor of moving through grief successfully.
Adopt the principle of “naish v’nishma” (we will do, and then we will understand) by engaging in spiritual or beneficial practices first, even without full logical comprehension, as understanding and benefits often emerge through the act of doing.
Be open to exploring different religious or spiritual practices and traditions to discover what genuinely resonates with you and improves your life, as it’s acceptable to sample and question.
If considering psychedelics, prioritize a supremely safe environment and, ideally, the presence of a guide or therapeutic support to navigate the experience and prevent potentially negative outcomes.
Integrate creedal or belief elements with physical and communal practices, as this synergistic approach can lead to a greater magnitude of positive effects compared to practices alone.
Be aware of and limit behaviors that serve as mere distractions (e.g., endless scrolling, mindless eating) to avoid addictive patterns and to confront underlying feelings of loneliness or existential fears.