The Healing Power of Faith: What The Polar Express Teaches Us About Well-Being

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, conversations about health tend to focus on diet, exercise, and medical care. While these are vital pieces of overall wellness, another powerful factor often gets overlooked: faith. Faith—whether spiritual, personal, or rooted in belief in something greater than ourselves—can profoundly shape our emotional, mental, and even physical health. Interestingly, one of the most beloved Christmas stories, The Polar Express, offers a vivid reminder of why holding onto faith can be so healing.

Faith is often described as a sense of trust or belief that helps us move forward even when we cannot see the full path ahead. Research has long shown that people who maintain a sense of faith—whether through religion, spirituality, or simply believing in goodness—tend to experience lower stress levels, greater resilience, and improved emotional well-being. Faith provides a psychological anchor, helping us navigate uncertainty, hardship, and change with a steadier heart.

In The Polar Express, we follow a young boy who is beginning to lose his belief in Santa Claus. This story mirrors what many of us experience as adults: a gradual erosion of wonder, trust, and belief as life becomes more complex. The boy boards the magical train unsure, hesitant, and skeptical—emotions that many people carry when facing challenges in their own lives. Yet as the journey unfolds, he discovers that faith is not about proof; it is about openness. It is about choosing to believe in possibilities even when doubt tries to dim the light.

This message has real-world health implications. Faith acts as a powerful stress buffer. When we have belief—whether in our religion, a higher power, or the goodness of life—we are less likely to feel overwhelmed during difficult times. Our bodies respond positively: stress hormones decrease, sleep improves, and our immune system becomes more robust. Much like the boy in The Polar Express learns, choosing to believe helps us stay grounded and hopeful, which in turn promotes physical health.

There is also an emotional benefit to faith that the story beautifully captures. When the boy finally hears the bell—something only those who believe can hear—it symbolizes the return of joy, connection, and meaning. Many adults carry silent burdens, and reconnecting with faith can reignite a sense of hope that improves emotional well-being. Hopeful people tend to engage in healthier behaviors, maintain stronger relationships, and recover more quickly from adversity.

Ultimately, The Polar Express reminds us that faith doesn’t require certainty. It requires willingness. Just like the magical journey on the train, our lives are filled with moments that invite us to believe—to trust that good things can happen, that challenges can be overcome, and that we are supported even when we feel alone.

As you navigate your own journey, consider the lesson of the reindeer bell: when we choose faith, we choose health. And when we nurture belief—whether in religion, in possibility, or in something positive beyond ourselves—we create a healthier, more joyful life.