Research in psychology on stress management has demonstrated that spirituality and faith have meaningful effects on the ability to cope with stress and on overall happiness. Some spiritual practices reduce stress, while others have healing or restorative powers that help to manage or cope with certain stressors. Research has shown that religious people are generally happier than others, but not one particular religion or religious practice has been found to have a monopoly on this phenomenon. 

All forms of prayer, meditation, and existential contemplation activate centers in the brain that are implicated in relaxation and peacefulness, which lowers levels of experienced stress. Overall, maintaining belief in something outside of the self can create meaning, peace, and a sense of purpose, all of which can sustain a person through stressful events in life.

The power of prayer

Prayer, no matter the religion or practice, can have restorative effects on the mind and body, allowing for a successful stress-management practice.

Spirituality

Spirituality can be thought of as the search for the sacred or that which is set apart from the ordinary. It can take the form of different religions or practices, but usually involves the exploration of personal existence and the meaning of life. The practice of spirituality involves veneration of something ethereal and outside of the self. 

Faith

Faith is trust or confidence in a doctrine, or holding a specific personal or spiritual belief. Questions of faith cannot necessarily be settled by evidentiary support, but are also not entirely opposed to reason. The practice of faith involves belief in what one cannot actually see or prove to exist. Spirituality and faith work together to produce experiences of otherworldliness and existentialism in human life, allowing the individual to confront the unknown and unknowable in a personal way.

Effects on Well-Being 

People who embrace both spiritual practices and faithful observances have been found to experience higher levels of happiness and more effective stress management throughout life's stressful events. The contemplation of life or power outside of conscious reality can provide some people with greater meaning and worthiness. In times of trouble, a person can rely on this sense of purpose to validate existence and cultivate the strength to cope with stress. Additionally, the reliance on a higher power places the burden, or the cause of stress, into the control of the higher power, thus relieving the person of that stressor. Faithfulness can also supplement feelings of hope for the future and acceptance of the past. In general, a person will dwell less on the negative aspects of life and will instead look back at the good and look forward to new possibilities.

Spirituality is often practiced in groups that allow for social support and reaffirming contact with others. As we explored earlier, the presence of social support has been found to be vital in stress management and coping ability. Some researchers argue that the social support function of spiritual groups serves a vital role in helping people cope with stress.

Forms of meditation, prayer, and contemplation can negate or abate present stress and provide resilience in the face of new stressors. Neuroscientists continue to study the effects of prayer and meditative states on the brain. A number of studies have demonstrated the positive effects of prayer, meditation, and contemplation on both mental and physical health. Decreasing levels of stress is one of the effects found across several studies. Through faith and spirituality, new levels of calm and happiness can be achieved, cultivating happiness, health, and wellness.