The Effectiveness of Yoga for the Improvement of well-being and Resilience to Stress in the Workplace

Objectives Recent research has indicated concern for the degree of stress and emotional well-being among university staff. This study examined the effectiveness of yoga in enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress among university employees. Methods In a randomized controlled trial at a British university, we recruited 48 employees and randomized them into either a yoga or a wait-list control group. The yoga group was offered six weeks of Dru Yoga, comprising one 60-minute class per week. These classes were offered by a certified Dru Yoga instructor at lunchtime from January-March 2008. The wait-list control group received no intervention during this six-week study. Baseline and end-program measurements of self-reported mood and well-being were self-assessed with the Profile of Mood States-Bipolar (POMS-Bi) and the Inventory of Positive Psychological Attitudes (IPPA). Results This six-week yoga intervention resulted in significantly improved POMS-Bi and IPPA scores for the yoga compared to the wait-list control group for seven of eight measures of mood and well-being. In comparison to the wait-list control group at baseline and the end of the program, the yoga group reported marked improvements in feelings of clear-mindedness, composure, elation, energy, and confidence. In addition, the yoga group reported increased life purpose and satisfaction, and feelings of greater self-confidence during stressful situations. Conclusion These results show that even a short program of yoga is effective for enhancing emotional wellbeing and resilience to stress in the workplace. We suggest that employers should consider offering yoga classes to their employees.

並列關鍵字

breathing exercise ； movement ； occupational health ； physical activity ； positive health ； randomized controlled trial ； RCT ； relaxation

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