May 2021
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82 Reads
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17 Citations
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Background Pharmacy students and faculty exhibit high levels of stress, independent of the current COVID-19 pandemic, and their path towards wellness, including a reduction in stress and anxiety, is of the utmost importance. Yoga and meditation are proven interventions to reduce stress and anxiety and increase wellness. Yin yoga is an adaptable, quiet practice ideal for those lacking previous yoga experience, flexibility, and time. Objective To evaluate the impact of a 6-week yin yoga and meditation intervention on College of Pharmacy faculty and students’ stress perception, anxiety levels and mindfulness skills. Methods Faculty and students participated in a 6-week pilot program comprised of a once-weekly yin yoga class followed by guided meditation. Yin yoga was selected for its quiet meditative style. Participants completed a pre- and post-questionnaire at 6 weeks, and 3 and 6 months, to evaluate potential changes in perceived stress scores, anxiety scores and mindfulness skills. The questionnaire was comprised of three self reporting tools: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Results Twenty participants, 12 students and 8 faculty (ages 18-66), completed the study. Anxiety and stress scores decreased, while mindfulness increased at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, with all changes reaching statistical significance. No participants reported being in the “high” category of anxiety post intervention using BAI categorical data, though this finding was not statistically significant. Conclusion Faculty and students demonstrated a reduction in stress and anxiety levels, and an increase in mindfulness, after a 6-week yin yoga and meditation program. Outcomes suggest inclusion of an adaptable, meditative practice, which may easily be replicated at home, for as little as once per week for six weeks may reduce stress and anxiety and increase mindfulness long term. Creating a culture of wellness should be a priority for all Colleges of Pharmacy.