Perceived Stress, Resilience, and Wellbeing in Seasoned Isha Yoga Practitioners Compared to Matched Controls During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Frontiers in Public Health July 29, 2022 Preeti Upadhyay, Shilpa Narayanan, Tanvi Khera et al.
Seasoned yoga practitioners from the Isha Foundation had significantly lower perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, and higher wellbeing and joy compared to non-practitioners randomized to a brief Isha practice or daily reading. Median Perceived Stress Scale scores were lower for yoga practitioners at baseline (11 vs. 16), 6 weeks (9 vs. 12–14), and 12 weeks (9 vs. 11.5–13). Among compliant randomized participants, the active comparator also showed lower stress than placebo at 12 weeks. Regular yoga practices appear to support mental health even during a pandemic.