Shinrin-Yoku, Yoga and Other Strategies in the Fight Against COVID-19

In March 2019, the world changed when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, a pandemic. Countries around the world locked down their borders, isolated their citizens and hospitals and healthcare workers (HCWs) had to adapted very quickly to the changing needs of their patients. The added stress of working in a health care environment during infectious outbreaks has been shown to take its toll on HCWs. In a review of 44 studies on the psychological impact of epidemic and pandemic outbreaks, Preti et al found between 11-74% HCWs reported post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD), with symptoms lasting beyond the outbreak in 10-40%.[1] During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, 70% of HCWs suffered distress, 50% depressive symptoms, and 44% reported anxiety.[2] This appeared to be more severe in women and in the professional staff.
Source: Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Source Type: research