Zen Den: A Novel Approach to Promote Well-Being in the Workplace


Author: Melanie Naone1, Christina Ford1, Katherine Finn Davis2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> The Queen's Health System.

<sup>2</sup> The University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Conference/Journal: J Holist Nurs
Date published: 2024 Jul 23
Other:
  Pages: 8980101241263131   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/08980101241263131.   ,  Word Count: 184  
    Purpose: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, holistic nurses at an academic level 1 trauma center in Hawaii utilized a novel holistic approach to combat stress and anxiety symptoms while promoting nurse's well-being. This assessment aimed to determine whether a brief session incorporating Reiki and meditation could decrease nurses' perceived stress and anxiety while increasing perceived happiness and coping ability. Methods: Two Reiki-certified holistic nurses developed a mobile 10-minute individual well-being session called "Zen Den." In each session, the holistic nurse provided hands-on Reiki concurrent with a meditation streamed by a free online application. Pre and post-self-assessments were measured using a Likert scale. Findings: Participants (N = 92) showed an average decrease in perceived stress by 46% and anxiety by 45%, and an increase in feelings of happiness by 17% and perceived coping ability by 18%. Conclusion: This novel approach to promote well-being in the workplace can be achieved using existing resources such as Reiki-trained staff, a quiet space, and a 10-minute well-being session with guided meditation using a free online application.



Keywords: COVID-19; Reiki; alternative/complementary therapies; energy-based therapies/energy work; meditation/mindfulness; nurses (basic); stress management/relaxation.



PMID: 39042101 DOI: 10.1177/08980101241263131