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Path Note — Purpose & Health
A strong sense of purpose doesn’t just enrich your life — it actively protects your health. Studies (e.g. Alimujiang et al., 2019; Hill & Turiano, 2014) show that people with higher purpose have lower mortality, reduced cardiovascular risk, and slower cognitive decline. Purpose also buffers against anxiety and depression (Kumar et al., 2019), helping us reframe life challenges rather than succumb to them.
Existential Analysis teaches that purpose is grounded in the Four Fundamental Motivations — space, connection, authentic self, and purposeful engagement — and emerges through everyday choices, not just grand life plans. Even small micro-moments of meaning (a caring act, a pause of gratitude) contribute to long-term health and resilience.
➟ Ask yourself: What meaningful act can I choose today that connects to my values and also supports my well-being?
Next steps: Work through the FM Cards, Mountain Cards, and My Decisions Cards to explore how you can anchor health in purpose and align your daily actions with what truly matters.