Sabbath-Keeping and Mental Health — Is There a Measurable Wellbeing Benefit?

Executive summary

Emerging research suggests that regular Sabbath observance—a dedicated weekly day of rest involving spiritual practices and cessation from work—produces measurable mental health benefits including reduced anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion, alongside increased personal accomplishment, self-awareness, and life satisfaction. A Liberty University pilot study found participants adopting an eight-week Sabbath practice reported decreased anxiety, worry, and stress. The Duke University Sabbath L...