Effect of yogic relaxation technique on mental health in working nurses

Pages: 398-402
M. Shriti (Department of Life Science, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Deemed-to-be University, Bengalore, Karnataka)
Kuntal Ghosh (Department of Physical Science, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Deemed-to-be University, Bengalore, Karnataka)
Guru Deo (Department of Yoga Therapy, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi)

Yoga has a positive impact holistically on practitioner all aspect of health. Various studies have found the considerable role of a yogic relaxation technique name as Cyclic Meditation (CM) in coping up with stress, balancing the autonomic nervous system, increasing memory and self-control. The Current study was conducted to see the effect of CM on stress level and mental health in nurse working at multidisciplinary hospital. This was a two-group pre-post study. Forty nurses (20 in an experimental group and 20 in control group, between the age group of 20 to 35 years), working of a multidisciplinary Indian hospital with minimum six months working experience, were made part of this study. 20 subjects underwent the CM intervention for an hour for two weeks. Before and after two weeks all were assessed by Cohen perceived stress scale (CPSS), self-control through Self Control Scale (SCS) and selective attention through Digit Letter Substitution Test (DLST), general health questionnaire (GHQ), emotion regulation through Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and mindful attention awareness Scale (MAAS). Paired sample t-test showed a significant difference in the post-test results of the CPSS, SCS and DLST in the experimental group. Independent t-test showed that there was a significant difference in CPSS, SCS between experimental and control group. CM is a very effective yogic relaxation practice which reduces stress and improved mental well-being of nurse. The current study showed reduction in stress level, enhancement of general and mental health due to practice of CM.