Take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Feels good, doesn’t it? Many studies have been done covering the mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga as a nurse. Whether you’re on the move or sitting down all day, any job can take its toll on you over time. This is especially true for nurses who are constantly on their feet during their shifts. The stressful nature of nursing can also lead to burnout, so read on to discover the many ways that yoga for nurses can benefit you! The Benefits of Yoga for Nurses Yoga has been practiced since ancient times for a reason: it works! Whether you’re strengthening your core or just trying to unwind, here are three ways that yoga for nurses can help you. Stress Management As a busy nurse with many responsibilities, it may seem hard to set aside time for yoga practice. But don’t worry! A yoga exercise can be anything from a three-minute meditation session to an hour-long physical workout. The most important thing is that you commit to making some time for yourself and that you try your best. Even if they are short sessions, frequently doing yoga can help you develop a better stress response system and relieve anxiety naturally. It can also help you manage your blood pressure, your heart rate, and your breathing in stressful situations. Additionally, being able to manage stress more effectively will help you steer clear of emotional eating and make healthier choices! Pain relief Another major benefit of yoga is its power to relieve chronic back pain. This is an incredibly common problem for many nurses because of how physically demanding the job is. Yoga stretches not only help with your flexibility, but they can also strengthen your muscles and prevent injuries and stiffness. Regular yoga practice can improve your posture, too. Nursing is a very taxing job, and becoming more physically fit will make you a better caregiver for your patients and for yourself. Emotional health and burnout prevention Yoga has the power to strengthen the connection between your body and your mind. Reinforcing this link helps to promote your overall sense of wellness and emotional health. To avoid burnout and compassion fatigue as a nurse, taking care of yourself is absolutely crucial. Focusing exclusively on your own movement and breathing calms your mind, and this inward focus can lead to better self-acceptance. You give so much of your time to others in this profession, but sometimes you need to take a moment and appreciate yourself. Yoga for Nurses: Yoga With Adriene I may not be a nurse myself, but I understand how physically and mentally draining the job can be. I have been doing yoga for the last few months and I started noticing the benefits almost instantly. Practicing yoga regularly has helped me calm my mind and strengthen my body significantly. It is also something that I look forward to doing at the end of my day because of how relaxing it is. The video below was done by Yoga With Adriene, who created a 30-minute routine specifically for nurses. I love Adriene’s videos because you can practice yoga from the comfort of your own home. This is especially great for people who are busy and don’t have time to go out and find a local instructor.   Now that you know a little bit about the benefits of yoga for nurses, check out some more self-care tips on our blog! Remember that the first step in taking care of others is taking care of yourself. What are some benefits that you’ve noticed from doing yoga? Let us know in the comments...