Mindfulness Improves Awareness and Cortisol Levels During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Randomised Controlled Trial in Healthcare Workers

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare professionals (HCPs) faced extremely high levels of work-related stress, which negatively affected their mental health, job satisfaction, and patient care. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs can help mitigate these challenges. Method: A randomised controlled trial design was used to evaluate the effects of an 8-week MBSR intervention on stress-related outcomes among HCPs compared with a control group. The comprehensive assessment included cortisol levels, perceived stress, attention and awareness, emotional fatigue, and job strain. Results: The MBSR intervention significantly reduced cortisol levels in the short term and improved attention and awareness, with sustained benefits during follow-up. Medium to medium–large effect sizes were observed for job strain and emotional fatigue, although statistical significance was not achieved. Similarly, perceived stress showed negligible changes over time. The variability in stress responses highlights the importance of personalised approaches to mindfulness interventions. Discussion: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, MBSR is promising for improving attention and awareness and reducing physiological stress markers in HCPs, although its effects on other occupational outcomes remain uncertain. Future research should focus on longer interventions to maximise the benefits of mindfulness practices in healthcare settings.