Effect of Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises on Physio-cognitive Aspects of Stress and Well-being

Stress is the term used to describe the physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral responses to events that are appraised as threatening or challenging. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in more integrative stress-reduction techniques that attempt to address not only a person's mental and physical ailments, but also his or her interpersonal, emotional and spiritual needs (Eisenberg et al., 1990-97, 1998). Complementary and alternative medicine interventions such as yoga, rhythmic breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation, and chanting techniques have significantly reduced stress-induced psychological disorders (Gupta et al., 2006; Michalsen et al., 2005; Smith et al., 2007). The present study examines the effect of three months mindfulness training versus breathing exercises o1n physio-cognitive aspects of stress. The study was conducted on a sample of 30 participants (10 participants in each group) having high stress level with average age of 22 years. Intensity of stress was assessed with the Cohen's (1988) 14 items perceived stress scale and PGI Health Questionnaire by Verma (1985) was used to assess the physical as well as psychological wellbeing. Physiological Correlates of the stress were measured by Finger Pulse Feedback, EMG, Respiration, and Electro sleep feedback. Participants were randomly assigned to Mindfulness, Breathing Exercise group. Applying the pre post test design the intervention continued for the period of three months. The findings revealed that the mindfulness training, breathing exercises have threshold impact in reducing the stress and improving the well being among participants. Study also revealed the restoration of normal levels of EMG, respiration and pulse feedback in experimental groups.