Spiritual retreats are attracting more and more people who want to take stock of their life, to refocus and pause a stressful daily life. These parentheses would offer the greatest psychological benefit to the participants: according to a study by Thomas Jefferson University in the United States, seven days of spiritual retreat would have a positive effect on the chemistry of the brain.
The emotional impact of these stays dedicated to meditation, prayer and silent contemplation was measured by researchers on a small panel of 14 candidates aged 24 to 76. At the end of a week, the volunteers felt a psychological well-being which was reflected in the cerebral level by an increase in the levels of dopamineand serotonin, two neurotransmitters associated with psychological balance, namely pleasure for dopamine and management of mood and emotions for serotonin.
More positive emotions and less fatigue
“As serotonin and dopamine are part of the brain’s emotional reward and balance system, it helps us understand why these spiritual practices result in positive and powerful emotional experiences,” says Andrew Newberg, director of the study published in the journal Religion, Brain & Behavior . “Our work has shown significant changes in the transport of dopamine and serotonin after a week-long spiritual retreat.” More precisely, the bonds ensuring the transport of these two neurotransmitters have been reduced, making them more available in the brain.
Participants also reported reduced fatigue, tension, and improved physical health.
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