Spiritual retreats are attracting more and more people who want to take stock of their lives, refocus and put a break from 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 devoted to meditation, prayer, and quiet contemplation was measured by the researchers on a small panel of 14 test takers between the ages of 24 and 76. After one week, the volunteers felt a psychological well-being which was translated at 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
“Because serotonin and dopamine are part of the brain’s reward system and emotional balance, 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 showed significant changes in dopamine and serotonin transport after a one-week spiritual retreat.” More specifically, the bonds transporting these two neurotransmitters have been reduced, making them more available in the brain.
Participants also reported reduced fatigue, tension and better physical health.
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