Exercise programs ease stress and burnout for nurses, review finds

Editor's Note

Exercise-based interventions can help nurses reduce stress, lessen burnout, and improve overall psychological well-being, according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing on August 1.

The researchers reviewed 33 studies that examined the effects of exercise-focused programs on nurses. The interventions varied in design but were generally aimed at reducing psychological distress and improving resilience. The review found most of these programs led to measurable improvements in outcomes such as stress, anxiety, burnout, and overall mental health. The programs were particularly effective when they were structured, delivered across multiple sessions, and supported strong participant adherence. These factors appeared to influence both the sustainability of the intervention and the consistency of benefits. While the types of exercise varied, the consistency of positive findings suggests broad applicability across different program designs.

The outlet reports the findings highlight an important shift in how professional development for nurses might be approached. Beyond advancing clinical skills, organizations may need to embed wellness and resilience-building initiatives into ongoing training. Positioning exercise as a core component of workplace well-being strategies could not only strengthen adoption but also extend the positive impact across healthcare systems.

The review concludes healthcare organizations should prioritize nurses’ mental health as part of workforce sustainability. By supporting regular, structured exercise programs, systems may be better equipped to address workforce challenges tied to job dissatisfaction, retention, and patient care quality.