You can easily find a number of books and guides for finding or creating your life’s “purpose” and “meaning.” But could doing so affect your physical health—for better or for worse?
A new study says yes. It found that if you experience meaning and purpose in your life, you’re more likely to be physically healthy, as well as mentally. “We found presence of meaning was associated with better physical functioning and better mental functioning,” said senior study author Dr. Dilip Jeste. Moreover, “finding meaning in one’s life can help people stay healthy in later years.”