Skip to content

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

Melanie Naone, Christina Ford, Katherine Finn Davis

Journal of Holistic Nursing December 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1177/08980101241263131 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed
Sample size 92
Population Nurses at an academic level 1 trauma center in Hawaii
Interventions Reiki Guided meditation
Duration 10-minute session
Topics Buddhism
Keywords Covid-19 Reiki Alternative/complementary therapies Energy-based therapies/energy work Meditation/mindfulness Nurses basic Stress management/relaxation
Citations 1
Key points A brief Reiki and meditation session decreased perceived stress by 46% and anxiety by 45%, and increased happiness by 17% and coping ability by 18%.

Abstract

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.

Comparable studies

Other non-randomized and open-label trials on buddhism, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Oxytocin Release during the Meditation of Altruism and Appreciation (Arigato-Zen) 32 participants providing saliva samples before and after Arigato-Zen practice 2018 Pre-post intervention study n = 32
Buddhist Meditation and Positive Psychology: Cultivating Happiness, Gratitude, and Life Satisfaction Adult participants from Vietnam aged 18-45 2026 Quasi-experimental (nonrandomized) with wait-list control n = 85
State mindfulness, hope, and ikigai before and after crafting an amulet in a field study at a Zen temple in Kyoto Visitors to a Zen temple in Kyoto who participated in the Yuwai-mamori amulet-making... 2026 Qualitative and single-group pre-post field study n = 426
Effects of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Zen Retreat on Affect and Well-Being in Healthcare Workers Health professionals (retreat n=120; control n=92) 2026 Nonrandomized controlled study n = 212
The Effects of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Zen retreat on healthcare workers DBT-trained mental health professionals (120 retreat participants, 92 controls) 2025 Nonrandomized controlled study n = 212

Citations in the library

Explore topics