Name: Tanmoy Pramanik

BTECH , National Institute Of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management.

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Psychological issues in the current pandemic and the role of yoga in reducing stress.

"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." -- The Bhagavad Gita
The world has been rocked by a new disease: COVID-19. The extent of harm it has done to
human lives and livelihood has not been known yet. Researchers around the world has still
not been successful in finding a vaccine against this deadly virus. People are confined in their
homes for months and this has taken a toll on their health, both physical and mental. Now in
this grave situation where no medicines seem to be helping, the only glimmer of hope is
Yoga.
The restricted travel, infection related panics, unhindered flow of negative news and scarcity
of materials and resources due the pandemic are all adding to growing anxiety. Being
confined to our homes can be quite mentally challenging. In a recent opinion piece published
in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH, a
professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, warned of an upcoming wave of
mental disorders because of coronavirus. Public health emergencies like this one can affect
the health, safety, and well-being of individuals. There is a possibility of, for example,
insecurity, confusion, emotional isolation, and stigma. Communities are also vulnerable
equally if not less owing to economic loss, work scarcity, inadequate resources for medical
response, uneven and deficient distribution of necessities. These effects may translate into a
range of emotional reactions ,distress or similar psychiatric conditions including excessive
substance use. Researches done in mental health during disasters establishes the fact that
various form of psychological stress are common in affected population. This finding can
comfortably be extrapolated in the present case of Covid-19 pandemic.
A recent review of psychological sequelae in samples of quarantined people and of health
care providers revealed numerous emotional outcomes, including stress, depression,
irritability, insomnia, fear, confusion, anger, frustration, boredom, and stigma associated with
quarantine, some of which persisted after the quarantine was lifted. Specific stress triggers
included duration of confinement, having inadequate resources and subsequent financial
losses. Recent incident involving alleged suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput served as a harsh
reminder of this deeper malaise which is often ignored or brushed off. Some reports suggest
that he was suffering from schizophrenia.
Yoga is a practice with its origins in ancient India which consists of numerous body
movements and postures or ‘Asanas’. It helps in reducing stress, anxiety, even a person's
mental breakdown. The very essence of yoga is to empty the mind of anything and just have a
personal interaction with one's inner self. It's use of many different types of breathing
techniques or ‘Pranayama’ makes it the key for a relaxed state of mind.
Although as of now there is no proof of patients getting cured of COVID-19 solely due to
Yoga yet, its practice is of immense benefit since its informed and correct practice does not
have any side-effects. Bhujangasana and Uttasana are among the few yogasanas that helps in
boosting immunity of the body, which needless to say, will come handy in protecting
ourselves in such a highly susceptible environment.

Coming back to the topic of mental illness, yoga has well researched and proven positive
effect on many psychological issues in fact a study , led by the University of South Australia
and a medical researcher of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), found that yoga
improves the mental health of people living with depression, post-traumatic stress,
schizophrenia, anxiety, alcohol dependence and bipolar disorder. The mental health improves
with more yoga such people practised. There have been a number of studies that show yoga
can improve the symptoms of those with attention-deficit-disorder. A study done in India in
2012 showed significant improvement in students involved in a program called Climb-Up.
This was a “peer-mediated interventional program consisting of yoga, meditation and play
therapy” taught to children with ADHD by local high school volunteers. After a year of the
program being implemented, parent evaluations showed that 91% of student’s symptoms
decreased. This is one of a few studies that show the possibilities yoga has on concentration
and mental well-being.
Yoga has been linked to increased GABA receptors in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) is a brain chemical that regulates nerve activity. Generally, those who suffer from
anxiety, depression, or even seizures, have low GABA and generally take medication to
mimic this action. Boston University conducted a study in 2010 that compared the MRIs of a
group of walkers versus a group of Yoga practitioners. After weeks of equal exertion, the
practioners showed higher GABA level. While this is still new research, it sheds a positive
light on the mind and body connection that Yoga swears by.
Another important research done by Kaori Harano , Gururaja and team in Japan assessed and
compared the effect of yoga on the mental health of young and old people. The subjects had
practised Tadasana, Ardha katichakrasana, Pada hasthasana, Trikonasana among the standing
postions and Vajrasana, Vakrasana among the sitting ones. Pranayama sessions followed the
asanas which included Kapaalbhaati, Naadishodhan and Bhramri , 3 rounds each. The result
was the reduction of Salivary amylase activity which indicated decrease in stress levels.
Although the decrease was more profound in younger subjects significant stress reduction
was also observed among the old subjects.
Sasangasana, Halasana and Vajrasana are among the simple asanas which has been
consistently advised by Yoga experts to relieve stress. A review work by Michael McGee on
meditation has stated that meditation has positive impact on people with psychiatric issues
and that psychiatrists should receive training in this important technique.
Magsaysay award winner and former top police officer, Kiran Bedi, during her stint as IG of
Prisons, Tihar jail, introduced classes in transcendental meditation (TM) for prisoners.
Reportedly, it made them more relaxed and peaceful and helped curb their violent impulses.
Without a doubt Yoga is a system of mental discipline as well as physical culture which
simultaneously ensure excellent musculoskeletal health, improves function of deep organs,
including improved oxygenation of brain and skin surface as well.
“We recognise the important benefits of practicing yoga and its potential in helping people
deal with increased anxiety due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic.” UNGA President
Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. These words not only highlights the global acceptance of this
ancient Indian practise but also gives the grief-struck world a weapon to fight the mental and
psychological illness associated with this pandemic.