Changes

Engaging in virtuous behavior and quenching temptations to engage in immoral behavior requires self-control.  

Engaging in virtuous behavior and quenching temptations to engage in immoral behavior requires self-control.  

In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on self-control/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>[http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract ''Religion Replenishes Self-Control'', ''Psychological Science'', June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php Study finds religion helps us gain self-control]</ref>

In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on self-control/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>[http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract ''Religion Replenishes Self-Control'', ''Psychological Science'', June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php Study finds religion helps us gain self-control]</ref>

== Improving self-control methods and other research ==

== Improving self-control methods and other research ==

#I want – Your goals and noble desires

#I want – Your goals and noble desires

McGonigal recommends increasing willpower though getting proper sleep, exercise and nutrition. Engaging in mindfulness and meditation.  Meditation can increase the prefrontal cortex part of the brain which is a center of the brain key to willpower.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190564/ Neurobiology of Spirituality], E. Mohandas, M.D.</ref><ref>[http://digest.bps.org.uk/2015/06/the-psychology-of-mindfulness-digested.html The Psychology of Mindfulness, Digested]</ref>

McGonigal recommends increasing willpower though getting proper sleep, exercise and nutrition. Engaging in mindfulness and meditation.  Meditation can increase the prefrontal cortex part of the brain which is a center of the brain key to willpower.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190564/ Neurobiology of Spirituality], E. Mohandas, M.D.</ref><ref>[http://digest.bps.org.uk/2015/06/the-psychology-of-mindfulness-digested.html The Psychology of Mindfulness, Digested]</ref>

=== Research of Andrew Newberg M.D. related to intense prayer ===

=== Research of Andrew Newberg M.D. related to intense prayer ===

Research indicates that 12 minutes of daily intense prayer over an eight-week period can change the brain to such a degree that it can be measured on a brain scan. This method of prayer appears to increase activity in brain areas associated with social interaction and compassion/thoughtfulness. In addition, it increases frontal lobe activity as focus and intentionality increase.<ref>[http://drleaf.com/blog/how-prayer-affects-the-brain/ How Prayer Affects the Brain]</ref><ref>[http://www.amazon.com/How-Changes-Your-Brain-Neuroscientist/dp/0345503422 How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist]</ref><ref>How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist– March 23, 2010 by Andrew Newberg M.D,    Mark Robert Waldman. Pages 26,27</ref>

Research indicates that 12 minutes of daily intense prayer over an eight-week period can change the brain to such a degree that it can be measured on a brain scan. This method of prayer appears to increase activity in brain areas associated with social interaction and compassion/thoughtfulness. In addition, it increases frontal lobe activity as focus and intentionality increase.<ref>[http://drleaf.com/blog/how-prayer-affects-the-brain/ How Prayer Affects the Brain]</ref><ref>[https://www.amazon.com/How-Changes-Your-Brain-Neuroscientist/dp/0345503422 How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist]</ref><ref>How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist– March 23, 2010 by Andrew Newberg M.D,    Mark Robert Waldman. Pages 26,27</ref>

== Notes ==

== Notes ==