During the COVID-19 lockdown in India, people who practiced yoga reported less anxiety, stress, and fear, and had better coping strategies compared to those who did not practice yoga. Yoga practitioners also showed better physical ability, endurance, and sleep quality, while being less likely to use substances or eat unhealthy food. Among yoga practitioners, those who meditated had relatively better mental health. The findings suggest that incorporating yoga into daily routines may help reduce stress and improve immunity, potentially lowering COVID-19 risk if specific protocols are implemented through a global public health initiative.
College students who practiced the Mind Sound Resonance Technique (MSRT) for one month showed improved cognitive performance and heart rate variability compared with those who rested supine. In a randomized controlled study of 50 experienced yoga practitioners aged 19–30, the MSRT group had significant changes in heart rate variability at rest, during a Stroop task, and afterward, along with better accuracy and faster reaction times. No significant changes occurred in the supine rest group. MSRT may help college students cope with stress and enhance cognitive and psychophysiological function.