Your end-of-year celebrations under the sign of spirituality

Rather than succumbing to consumerist frenzy, why not make December a month of spiritual exploration? The scientific evidence is there: investing in your spiritual life, alone or with your family, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. And the benefits extend well beyond January 1st.

The return of spirituality in times of crisis

December is now a month often synonymous with overconsumption and busy schedules. However, this period when communities come together for family and religious celebrations is also an opportunity to pause and draw inspiration.

  • References

  • Historical

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  4. Spirituality linked with better health outcomes, patient care. Press release. T.H. Chan Harvard. 2022.

  5. Manning et al. Spiritual resilience: Understanding the protection and promotion of well-being in the later life. Jjournal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging. 2019.

  6. Chen et al. Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024.

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  13. Black et al. Mindfulness Meditation and Improvement in Sleep Quality and Daytime Impairment Among Older Adults With Sleep Disturbances: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2015.

  14. Bay et al. Investigating the effect of transcendental meditation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hum Hypertens. 2015.

  15. Luders et al. Forever Young(er): potential age-defying effects of long-term meditation on gray matter atrophy. Front Psychol. 2015.

  16. Pascoe et al. Yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction and stress-related physiological measures: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2017.

  17. Kuo et al. Genomic and clinical effects associated with a relaxation response mind-body intervention in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. PLoS One. 2015.

  18. Eyre et al. Changes in Neural Connectivity and Memory Following a Yoga Intervention for Older Adults: A Pilot Study. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016.

  19. Chu et al. The effectiveness of yoga in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2014.

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  • Current version

    12/18/2025

    Updated by Marie-Céline Ray


    Science journalist

  • 16/12/2025

    Publication by Marie-Céline Ray


    Science journalist

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