A survey of 520 yoga practitioners found that stress reduction was the most common motivation for starting yoga. Regular practice was associated with significantly lower stress levels, and experienced practitioners reported less stress than beginners. Dynamic forms of yoga that combine fluid movements with synchronized breathing were particularly effective. The findings suggest that yoga is an affordable, side-effect-free tool for managing stress across all ages.
A 21-day breath meditation intervention improved emotional well-being in 112 adults. Participants were divided into four groups practicing different combinations of breath meditation, body scanning, and positive reflection exercises. Emotional well-being was measured before and after the intervention using the SUPIN scale, a Polish adaptation of the PANAS. Results indicate significant increases in positive affect and reductions in negative affect for groups practicing breath meditation, especially when combined with a positive reflection exercise called "Three Good Things." The group combining breath meditation with this exercise showed the largest improvements. The authors suggest breath meditation is a brief, non-invasive intervention for emotional well-being and stress regulation, with potential applications in mental health, education, and workplaces.