Natural Alternatives to Alleviate Stress
The use of meditation to reduce stress has been demonstrated in its ability to change perception and build resilience to stressors. In a population of student athletes, one review assessed three intervention studies - each included 7-12 mindfulness sessions, around an hour in length, over a few weeks. They summarized that mindfulness reduced perceived stress and negative thoughts. Another study analyzed the effects of an eight-week mind-body program. Results showed that compared to the control group, the meditators had improved resilience and emotional intelligence. Evidence is demonstrating that a regular meditation practice may increase awareness of emotional responses and improve one's stress response, reducing the ability for stress, and its debilitating effects, to overcome you. This was noted in a group of ER nurses, a population known for having high amounts of stress due to a high-pressure job. After using our biofeedback meditation program for four 30 minutes sessions over one month, the nurses reported significant improvements in their ability to manage their stress. |
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