Mindfulness, spirituality, and exercise performance.

Abstract

The history of exercise and positive health is longstanding, while the link between exercise and holistic health has become increasingly apparent and valuable in more recent years. In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as a "state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease" (WHO, 1948, p. 1). Contemporary definitions of holistic health include all the aspects that the WHO defined as good health, while adding spiritual and emotional components (Hales, 2008). Thus, holistic health consists of spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, and social components. It is clear that health is not a unidimensional construct, and neither are the components that make up holistic health. This chapter will examine the relationships among exercise, mindfulness, and spirituality. First, the constructs will be defined and examined in terms of dimensionality, state, trait, and measurement. Additionally, the notion of merging these constructs to conceptualize a mind, body, and spiritual understanding of the role of exercise in improving health and well-being will be reviewed. Despite the rapidly growing fields related to these constructs, to the best of our knowledge no comprehensive theory or model has been developed to date that encompasses exercise, mindfulness, and spirituality. Therefore, we discuss relevant theories and models that we can draw upon to better understand the relationships among mindfulness, exercise, and spirituality.For example, it is apparently unknown whether exercise enhances mindfulness and spirituality, or conversely, if mindfulness and spirituality enhance exercise performance. Based on the extant research, it would appear that the relationships among these constructs are complex. Understanding the relationships among these constructs is important, because if we can understand what mechanisms drive the relationships, practitioners and researchers can better develop theories and models that enhance holistic health. This would occur in part through increases in exercise participation, motivation, adherence, and satisfaction, thus leading to healthier lifestyles.Next, available empirical studies examining the links between these constructs will be discussed. Consequently, the limitations, practical considerations, and applications of existing research in this area will be reviewed. Lastly, the chapter will conclude with a summary of the literature and a proposed theory of the intersectionality of the complex relationships among exercise, mindfulness, and spirituality. DEFINING EXERCISE, MINDFULNESS, AND SPIRITUALITY ExerciseExercise is a relatively well-defined construct. Specifically, exercise is defined as an "intentional, structured, and purposeful type of physical activity"