Prayers and Apples is a resource for mind-body-spirit research, divided into a database of scientific studies and a blog featuring easy-to-understand explanations of new developments within the field.
My goal is to increase personal peace, health and happiness by promoting understanding of the relationship between the mind, body and spirit. The information featured on this website encourages physical and spiritual well-being as an integrative treatment element in addressing obesity, depression and generalized anxiety disorders.
(To learn more about my background, please visit my About Me page!)
While Prayers and Apples supports holistic treatment (improved nutrition, increased physical activity, spiritual involvement) as a first choice measure, or combined treatment element, in addressing obesity, depression and generalized anxiety disorders, I in no way discredit the value or appropriateness of pharmaceutical treatments in many cases. However, I feel strongly that a large percentage of patients could go without (or decrease their dosage of) medication and see equal – if not increased – improvement in their conditions if they altered their diet, increased their physical activity and/or explored spiritual involvement.
This belief is rooted in the principles of health psychology.
Prayers and Apples aims to translate (often complicated!) research exploring these topics through fun, pop culture infused posts. As Lopez & Gallagher (2011) note in the Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, “The vibrancy of our science is dependent upon the commitment of [others] to a lifelong pursuit of demystifying psychological phenomena”.
The following was created as part of the Prayers and Apples Indiegogo Project. Although the fundraising campaign has since closed, this video serves as a good summary of what Prayers and Apples is all about! (For help navigating your way around the site, start here!)
References
Butcher, J., Hooley, J. & Mineka, S. (2010). “Causal factors and viewpoints”. Abnormal Psychology (14th ed.) (p.140). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Lopez, S. & Gallagher, M. “A case for positive psychology.” In Shane Lopez & C.R. Snyder (Ed.), Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology (2nd ed.) (pp. 3-6). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Just wanted to say thank you for this website! 5 1/2 years ago I started suffering from chronic fatigue at the age of 27. I landed on an article on your website when searching for information on adrenal fatigue and rolled my eyes when I saw “prayers and apples”. At the time I thought that sounded like a solution that couldn’t possibly help me and that I had serious medical problem that could only be solved with huge regimines of vitamins and prescription medication. After trying everything I could come up with – the main thing I attribute my recovery to is infact “prayers and apples”. Just by eating typical fruits and veggies and starting down the path of prayer, meditation, and mindfulness – I have made significant progress. Infact, I have not taken any pill (OTC or prescription) for 3 years now, eat an apple each day as well as veggies, and have not been sick with even a slight cold for over 2 years! My sleep isn’t always 100% – but those are usually just the days when I ignore spiritual practices and/or eat too much sugar.
Anyway – from a skeptic to firm believer – thank you!
Andrew,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! Your words mean A LOT and I’m so, so happy to hear that you’re feeling better! I completely understand your initial skepticism – for some reason, natural approaches to wellness sometimes don’t seem as “medical” as traditional treatments (and when you’re facing a serious health concern, you want the best medical approach you can find!). That’s why I really strive to provide the science behind the holistic treatments that are mentioned on Prayers and Apples – so more readers can start seeing diet, exercise, and spiritual involvement as real, viable solutions! :)
Again, I’m so, so happy to hear things are looking up – and thank you for sharing your experience and encouragement!
Wishing you all the best!
Jessica