Mindfulness Yoga Research

    Stress and burnout can lead to decreased job satisfaction, poor performance and negative outcomes. Research from different countries has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, stress and burnout among healthcare workers (1, 2, 3 and 4).   In view of the critical situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizational approaches are required to handle these issues and support the workers. Improvement of work conditions and emotional support (5) are necessary to support the health and performance of the staff.   A recent study published by the Journal of Occupational Health explored the benefits of yoga for healthcare workers (6). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress in healthcare workers across the world. Long hours, overwork, shift work, inadequate staffing, emotional demands, administrative burdens, and physical workplace hazards contribute to stress.   Stress reduction programs have the potential ...

  A clue to understand the potential effects of yoga on the brain is the increase of serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Physical exercise is associated with an increase of this neuromodulator that has a crucial role in ameliorating the function of the brain (1).   This neurotrophin is a mediator of cognitive enhancement. It supports memory function through molecular and cellular mechanisms that help to strengthen communication between neurons (synapsis). This is relevant to the plastic changes that happen in the brain.   The central nervous system is designed to perceive stimuli and to adapt to the environment in response to the information it receives. In these dynamic processes neuroplasticity of the brain plays a role. Neuroplasticity is what happens to the brain when it strengthens neural pathways and enhances the interactions between neurons to learn and gain knowledge in response to stimulation. BDNF is part of this process.   Studies have sh...