iRest Yoga-Nidra on the College Campus: Changes in Stress, Depression, Worry, and Mindfulness.
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Author: Heather Eastman-Mueller, PhD, CSE, CHES Terry Wilson, M.Ed, RN, CHES Ae-Kyung Jung, MA Andrea Kimura, M.Ed Jeff Tarrant, PhD, BCN
Published date: 2014
Abstract
Objectives: There is evidence that yoga practice is associated with dec reased stress, worry, and depression, and with improved mindfulness-based skills. These findings had not been previously replicated for a sample of college students. This study evaluated whether iRest yoga-nidra practice was associated with reduced perceived stress, worry, and depression, and increased mind fulness in a sample of college students. Methods: Sixty-six students age 18–56 completed an 8-week iRest yoga-nidra intervention that was offered for 8 semesters. Assessment occurred 1 week prior to intervention onset and during the class period following the intervention. Qualitative data were collected at Weeks 4 and 8. Results: Statistically significant pre- to post test improvements in perceived stress, worry, and depression were found. Preexisting depression accounted for most of the change in worry and perceived stress scores. Pre-to post test improvements in mindfulness-based skills were also detected. Conclusions: iRest yoga-nidra practice may reduce symptoms of perceived stress, worry, and depression and increase mindfulness-based skills.