The Impact of Mindfulness on Workplace Mental Health: A Global to African and Nigerian Perspective with a Focus on Nurses

Workplace mental health has become a growing concern globally, particularly among healthcare professionals such as nurses who experience high levels of stress and burnout. Mindfulness, a psychological practice that fosters present-moment awareness and emotional regulation, has emerged as an effective intervention for improving workplace mental well-being. This narrative review examines the impact of mindfulness on workplace mental health, transitioning from a global perspective to its relevance in Africa and Nigeria, with a specific focus on nurses. The review explores the conceptual framework of mindfulness and its theoretical link to workplace mental health. It discusses global evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout, particularly in high-pressure work environments. The paper also highlights the state of workplace mental health in Africa, where mental health interventions, including mindfulness, remain underexplored due to systemic and cultural barriers. The mental health challenges facing Nigerian nurses are critically examined, including workload pressures, inadequate resources, and limited psychological support. The potential benefits of mindfulness for Nigerian nurses are explored, including its role in stress reduction, emotional resilience, and improved job satisfaction. However, barriers such as misconceptions, organisational resistance, and lack of formal mindfulness training are also discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for integrating mindfulness into Nigerian healthcare settings, advocating for policy interventions, workplace training programs, and further research. Keywords: Mindfulness, Workplace Mental Health, Nurses, Burnout, Nigeria, Africa,