The Effects of Meditation on Stress and Fatigue

The Effects of Meditation on Stress and Fatigue in Intensive Care Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with nurses practicing meditation for six weeks, compared to a control group with no intervention. Stress and fatigue levels were measured using validated scales at baseline and post-intervention.

Participants in the intervention group underwent a meditation practice for 20 minutes, three times a week for six weeks. The meditation sessions were led by a meditation expert with 8 years of experience and conducted online via WhatsApp in a group setting. No intervention was given to the participants in the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intensive care nurses with at least 1 year of experience in the intensive care unit.
• Nurses without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, asthma, or other conditions that could hinder breathing exercises.
• Nurses without hearing and communication issues, psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., major depression).
• Nurses who have not attended meditation, yoga, or breathing exercise classes in the past six months.
• Nurses willing to participate in the study were included in the sample.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Nurses who do not attend at least one of the meditation sessions conducted by the meditation expert.