Non-pharmacological therapies for stress reduction in healthcare workers: An integrative review.

This article focuses on identifying non-pharmacological therapies used to manage stress in healthcare workers and their effects on both self-reported and physiological stress, measured primarily by cortisol levels. An integrative review of 14 experimental studies found that interventions such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, interaction with therapy dogs, relaxation techniques, auriculotherapy, forest therapy, and sensory body moisturizing showed positive outcomes in reducing subjective stress and, in several cases, cortisol levels. Most studies involved hospital-based nurses and physicians, with salivary cortisol being the most common biomarker used. The findings suggest that Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHPs) offer accessible, low-cost options for stress reduction, though further research with diverse healthcare roles and settings is recommended to broaden applicability and address persistent workplace stressors.