The Contribution of Yoga to Enhancing Resilience and Coping With Stress Among Nurses in Israel During a War Conflict

Abstract

Background:

Nurses working under armed conflict face heightened psychological stress that may undermine well-being and resilience. Mind-body practices such as yoga have been identified as promising strategies for enhancing emotional regulation and adaptive coping; however, evidence on their contribution to nurses’ resilience during wartime or emergency conditions remains limited.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 hospital nurses in Israel during an active armed conflict. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing personal resilience (CD-RISC-10), stress response (SRQ), and yoga characteristics, including type (workplace vs. personal), duration, and perceived emotional benefits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, group comparisons, and hierarchical regressions.

Findings:

Nurses who engaged in sustained, self-initiated personal yoga practice reported higher personal resilience and lower stress response than non-practitioners. Perceived emotional benefits of yoga, longer duration of practice, and independent engagement were the strongest predictors of resilience, while lower stress response was associated with older age, longer yoga experience, and higher perceived benefits. Participation in brief workplace-only sessions was not independently related to either outcome.

Conclusions:

Yoga may strengthen nurses’ resilience and reduce stress reactivity even under wartime conditions, particularly when practiced consistently and autonomously. Short-term institutional classes alone appear insufficient without sustained personal engagement and emotional relevance.

Application to Practice:

Occupational health nurses can promote resilience by developing hybrid yoga-based programs that combine structured on-site sessions with supported self-practice. Emphasizing autonomy, continuity, and reflection on emotional benefits may enhance coping, reduce stress, and foster durable well-being among nurses in conflict-affected environments.