Holistic Nursing in Practice: Mindfulness-Based Yoga as an Intervention to Manage Stress and Burnout

Abstract

Purpose

Effects of a mindfulness-based (MB) yoga practice on stress, burnout, and indicators of well-being among nurses and health care professionals (HCPs).

Design

A randomized controlled trial, 80 HCPs assigned to either MB yoga intervention or control group.

Method

The MB yoga intervention group (n = 41) attended weekly yoga classes and practiced yoga independently. The control group (n = 39) did not receive the yoga intervention. Study participants completed pre- and postintervention questionnaires, instruments included (a) Perceived Stress Scale; (b) Maslach Burnout Inventory; (c) Vitality subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36; (d) Global Sleep Quality item, (e) Mindfulness Awareness Survey, and (f) subscale of the Brief Serenity Scale. Diurnal salivary cortisol and blood pressure were assessed pre and postintervention.

Results

Significant improvements (p < .01) noted in MB yoga compared with control for self-reported factors, including stress (Perceived Stress Scale), burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), vitality (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36), sleep (GSQ), serenity/inner haven (IH), and mindfulness (Mindfulness Awareness Survey). Diurnal cortisol slopes and blood pressure were not significantly improved.

Conclusion

The MB yoga intervention had a statistically significant effect on the health and well-being of nurses and HCPs, most specifically for measures of stress; perceived stress, burnout, vitality, sleep quality, serenity, and mindfulness.

Keywords

yoga healing modalities meditation/mindfulness stress management/relaxation integrative/holistic theories common themes nurses (basic)group/population nurses (advanced practice)stress and coping

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