We know that healthcare workers can struggle with stress and burnout. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reported in 2023 that healthcare workers are experiencing high stress and burnout, at rates up to 70%, hindering patient care.

There are many ways individuals can address stress, and one of the most accessible is guided meditations. A growing body of research indicates that mindful meditation and other practices are effective in reducing stress, improving some health conditions, and promoting overall well-being.

“Mindfulness-based treatments have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s also evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure and improve sleep. It may even help people cope with pain.” More here from the National Institutes of Health. “In the last 30 years, significant research suggests mindfulness can address health issues such as lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system; increasing attention and focus; improving anxiety and depression through reducing emotional reactivity; and thickening the brain in areas in charge of decision making, emotional flexibility, and empathy.” More here from UCLA.

Mindfulness activities, including meditation, can reduce stress by calming our minds and bodies.