The Benefits Of Mindfulness For Health Professionals
Mindfulness has gained great recognition in recent years. In fact, it is increasingly common to relate it to the field of health, both physical, emotional and mental. And we don’t just talk about its wonders for patients, but the importance that its application also gains for health professionals is becoming increasingly important.
Currently, there is a lot of evidence that demonstrates the multiple benefits of mindfulness, especially when applied in the health field. Throughout this article we will focus on the impact that mindfulness can generate on healthcare personnel both in their care of patients and in their own quality of life and professional performance. Thus, we will talk about what mindfulness is and the various aspects that it can contribute to these professionals.
Although the term mindfulness has gained great popularity in recent times, this is an ancient practice that has its origins in Buddhist meditation. Thanks to the work mainly of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the adaptation of this practice to our society has occurred.
Mindfulness, also known as “full attention”, has the main objective of keeping us focused on the present moment. Becoming aware of what happens both in our internal world and in the environment that surrounds us. We are invited to contemplate and observe with an attitude of acceptance and, above all, free of judgment.
The emotional impact experienced by health professionals
Health personnel play a key role in social well-being since they are responsible for ensuring it, to the extent possible. This leads them to be in constant contact with human suffering, illness and pain. None of this is easy to sustain without proper care.
Unfortunately, most of them report a high degree of discomfort due to the conditions in which they are forced to carry out their jobs. Aspects such as excessive care burden, long hours, lack of personnel, scarcity of resources and other problems lead the majority of them to suffer from burnout syndrome. Hence the importance of implementing care measures towards these professionals.
The benefits of mindfulness for health professionals
It is true that anyone can enjoy the many benefits associated with the practice of mindfulness. Living more present in our daily lives allows us to reduce stress, cortisol levels, anxious and depressive symptoms, among others.
In recent years, mindfulness programs have been implemented as a form of prevention for healthcare personnel since, in addition to everything mentioned, it is also usually related to greater job satisfaction. Below we detail some of the benefits that mindfulness can bring to health professionals and their patients.
Reduction of stress and anxiety and prevention of burnout
The practice of mindfulness allows professionals to have more tools for coping and managing work stress. In fact, there are studies that show that resilience increases with the practice of mindfulness. Likewise, professionals perceive themselves as having more coping abilities and more tools to deal with stressful situations.
Healthcare personnel are often subjected to situations of great pressure and stress, therefore, the practice of mindfulness can help them reduce the activation of their nervous system and reduce physical and mental exhaustion.
Improved decision making
Throughout a day, health professionals must make many decisions. In some cases, they are forced to decide under a lot of pressure certain aspects that can become really complex. The practice of mindfulness contributes to having a greater ability to concentrate.
Being more connected to the present moment allows you to process information optimally. Thus, it is considered that the practice of mindfulness allows professionals to be more sure of the decisions they make and this leads to a reduction in errors.
Improves relationships with patients
Reference has already been made repeatedly to how difficult workdays can be for healthcare professionals. The very high pressure on care, the lack of staff and resources, together with the long working hours, can lead to professionals becoming exhausted and ending up developing burnout syndrome.
Thanks to the practice of mindfulness, healthcare personnel can be more present in interactions with patients. This translates into greater active listening and greater empathy towards them. Consequently, satisfaction on the part of the people served is also greater since the relationship is perceived as closer and this can influence the prognosis of the situation.
Physical health benefits
Perhaps this point may initially surprise you since mindfulness is primarily a mental practice. However, we cannot forget that we are a whole and that body and mind are closely related, as well as in constant communication.
The practice of mindfulness enhances the regulation of the nervous system, helps lower blood pressure, enhances the optimal functioning of our immune system (a fact that reduces the contraction of other pathologies) and reduces the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it is also related to better sleep quality.
Do you want to train professionally in Mindfulness?
If you are interested in learning how to apply Mindfulness in the healthcare field, the University Diploma of Specialization in Mindfulness for Health Professionals offered by the European Institute of Positive Psychology is for you. It is online, certified by the La Salle University Studies Center and will allow you to master the potential that Mindfulness has in practice by improving people’s health.
