Have you ever wondered why you feel lighter, happier, and even physically stronger after a good praise and worship session? Well, it’s not just spiritual. It’s science, too! Praising God isn’t just good for your soul; it’s also great for your overall health. Yes, you heard that right. You can praise your way to better health! Praising God might just be the best (and cheapest) therapy session you’ve ever had. And guess what? No doctor or therapist visit is required!
I am sure we all know what praise is. Correct? However, for those who like definitions, here is one for you: Praise is the act of expressing approval, admiration, or gratitude, particularly toward God or others. Spiritually, praise is when we joyfully recognize and worship God, acknowledging His greatness, goodness, and power through words, music, or actions.
When should you praise God?
Praise God at all times – “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1.
Praise is an action word that involves intentionality and commitment. We should always praise God in the good times and bad. Often, when we experience the goodness of God, we spontaneously burst into praise. Then, at other times, when life throws us a curveball, the last thing we want to do is praise. However, praise is not just for good days—it’s for every season, even in challenges. Praise is a weapon that brings breakthroughs in tough times! So, you should praise intentionally, no matter what you are going through or how difficult it may seem. Take action and praise God through singing, music, and joyful expressions of worship.
What are the health benefits of praise, and how can you praise your way to better health?
1. Praise reduces stress and anxiety
Life comes at us fast—bills, deadlines, unexpected challenges, ill health, financial setbacks, or just your day-to-day stresses and inconveniences. But here’s the good news: Praising God helps shift your focus from your problems to His power.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Stress shrinks when you magnify God instead of your worries. And science backs it up. Studies have shown that engaging in religious worship can reduce your stress levels by reducing stress hormones like cortisol. So, are you anxious or stressed about anything today? Instead of dwelling on it, turn up that praise playlist and sing like nobody’s watching!
2. Praise improves your physical health
Did you know you can get a full cardio workout just by praising God? By lifting your hands, dancing, and jumping up and down, you are already getting in your steps for the day!
Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Well, if you’re breathing, it’s time to move!
Studies have shown that joyful singing boosts the immune system, improves lung function, and even releases endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. Moreover, dancing can lower your blood pressure and is great for your heart. So, why not dance, jump, and move your body in praise today? I guarantee that your heart will thank you, and your body will respond with even more energy when you praise like this.
3. Praise lifts your mood and fights depression
Praise is a natural mood lifter. Praising God activates dopamine & serotonin, the same brain chemicals that antidepressants target.
Isaiah 61:3 tells us that God gives us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Translation? When life feels heavy, put on your praise like an outfit and watch that heaviness disappear!
And let’s be honest – sometimes, we don’t feel like praising. But that’s when it matters most. There’s power in praising through the storm. Are you feeling down today? Do you feel heaviness in your soul? Did you know you can command your soul? Take control today, and like the psalmist, sing, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Psalm 103:1)! Come on, lift your hands and sing until joy rises!
4. Praise strengthens relationships
Praising God brings people together. And there’s nothing like bonding over a shared praise and worship experience.
Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” So, wherever you are and whoever is joining you in praise, God is right there, strengthening your relationships in the process. Invite those around you to praise God with you. Together, you can praise your way to better health!
5. Praise reminds you who’s in control
We sometimes like to act like we are in control of everything. But praising God humbles us and reminds us that He’s the One calling the shots. Yes, “we may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall” (Proverbs 16:33).
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” When we praise, we surrender. And when we surrender, we stop striving and start thriving.
So, the next time you’re tempted to stress over something you can’t control, start praising instead.
6. Praise improves sleep & rest
You will sleep more peacefully, and your body will rest better when you replace worry with praise.
Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
So, as you go to bed today, end your day with praise. Let always praising God with a thankful heart become your lifestyle. By simply saying “Thank You, Lord!” aloud, you will begin to experience all the benefits of practicing gratitude. Check out “Thankful for the Little Things” to learn more about the benefits of practicing gratitude.
Final Thoughts
Praising God is a spiritual workout with real health benefits! It relieves stress, lifts your mood, strengthens your relationships, boosts your immunity, improves sleep, and even improves your physical health —all while drawing you closer to God. And the best part is that you can praise God anywhere – whether you are in church, in the shower, or stuck in traffic!
Thank God for showers, where people like me can sing while pretending to be the next American Idol. Although, I know I wouldn’t get past the preliminary American Idol auditions. In fact, my audition video could very well go viral for the all the wrong reasons.
Anyway, back to my point, if you need an excuse to turn up that worship music, dance like nobody’s watching, and praise God—consider this your official doctor’s note. Prescription – Daily praise; Side effects – Joy, peace, and good health.
This week, I received a series of devastating news back-to-back. And I had to remind myself, just as I am reminding you today, to praise God, no matter what!
Finally, remember that your health and faith go hand in hand. So, praise your way to better health. Rest assured, your body, mind, and soul will thank you!
Please feel free to share your comments below and share this article.
Yours in health and fitness,
Doctor Abi
