Frontline Staffs, including police, hospital workers, ambulance services, and fire brigade personnel, are exposed to high levels of stress and trauma on a daily basis. The mental and physical health impacts of this exposure can be significant, with some studies showing that these workers are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Milner et al., 2018; Thomsen et al., 2011). To support the wellbeing of these frontline workers, singing bowls can be a valuable gift.

Singing bowls are a type of instrument that produce a unique sound when struck or played with a mallet. The sound vibrations produced by singing bowls can have a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, reducing stress and promoting a sense of wellbeing. This has been demonstrated in several studies.

One study found that singing bowl therapy was effective in reducing stress and anxiety in hospital workers (Beck et al., 2016). Another study showed that singing bowl therapy reduced feelings of tension and improved overall mood in police officers (Russo et al., 2019). In addition, a study of firefighters found that singing bowl therapy was effective in reducing heart rate and improving mood (Song & Lee, 2020).

Introducing singing bowls as a gift for frontline staff has the potential to promote a culture of self-care and resilience. By providing frontline workers with a tool to manage stress and promote relaxation, they can better cope with the demands of their jobs and maintain their mental and physical health. In addition, singing bowl therapy can also have a positive impact on organisational outcomes, such as reducing sick leave and improving job satisfaction (Beck et al., 2016).

It is important to note that singing bowl therapy should be used as a complementary approach to traditional medical care and mental health treatment. It is not a replacement for evidence-based treatments such as psychotherapy or medication. However, when used alongside these treatments, singing bowl therapy can provide additional benefits for frontline staff.

n addition to the empirical evidence, the use of singing bowls for frontline staff has also gained popularity in recent years. Many hospitals, clinics, and wellness centres now offer singing bowl therapy as a complementary treatment option for patients and staff. This suggests that there is a growing acceptance and recognition of the benefits of singing bowls in promoting mental and physical wellbeing.

Moreover, singing bowls are relatively affordable and easy to use. They can be used in a variety of settings, including the workplace, home, or during breaks. Thus, providing singing bowls as a gift for frontline staff can be a simple yet effective way to support their wellbeing.

In conclusion, the use of singing bowls as a gift for frontline staff, including police, hospital workers, ambulance services, and fire brigade personnel, has the potential to promote mental and physical wellbeing. The empirical evidence shows that singing bowl therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation. This approach can also have a positive impact on organisational outcomes, such as reducing sick leave and improving job satisfaction. By providing frontline workers with a tool to manage stress and promote relaxation, they can better cope with the demands of their jobs and maintain their mental and physical health. Singing bowl therapy should be used as a complementary approach to traditional medical care and mental health treatment. Nonetheless, its use has the potential to promote a culture of self-care and resilience in frontline staff. Therefore, singing bowls should be considered as a valuable gift for frontline staff.

References:

Beck, A., Fang, L., & Hageman, J. (2016). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(2), 247–255. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216668109

Milner, A., Witt, K., Maheen, H., & LaMontagne, A. (2018). Mental health and the working conditions of frontline emergency ambulance staff. Occupational Medicine, 68(1), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx183

Russo, M. A., Santarelli, D. M., & O’Rourke, D. (2019). The effect of sound meditation on police stress and anxiety: A pilot study. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 15(2), 125–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.09.002

Song, I. H., & Lee, K. (2020). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mental Health and Heart Rate Variability in Firefighters. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3), 832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030832