Abstract
SKY is increasingly gaining recognition as a means to relieve occupational stress and burnout especially in high-stress environments. The controlled breathing patterns of SKY are meant to bring about the relaxing effect, emotional regulation, and general improvement in employees’ mental well-being.
Research has shown that SKY can significantly reduce the levels of stress and elevate psychological well-being among professionals. For example, a randomized control trial with medical doctors showed a significant decrease in psychological distress and burnout among participants participating in a SKY program against those who just received standard training on stress management (Korkmaz, 2024). This is specifically relevant because doctors and other professionals in the healthcare line experience high rates of stress and burnout and this can worsen their effectiveness and well-being (Korkmaz, 2024). The study demonstrates the viability of applying SKY as a non-pharmacological intervention in boosting resilience and coping in high-stress occupations.
Additionally, the physiological aspects of SKY contribute to its effectiveness in handling workplace stress. The exercise is known to enhance vagal tone, associated with improved emotional regulation and decreased reactivity to stress (Parimala & Kanchibhotla, 2020; Goldstein et al., 2016). This physiological response is essential for individuals working in stressful work environments, as it may result in effective stress management and reduced anxiety levels (Parimala & Kanchibhotla, 2020). SKY has also been associated with enhanced cognitive functioning and attention, which are necessary for keeping one’s productivity and concentration in the workplace (Chandra et al., 2016; Kopańska et al., 2022).
Besides these, the effectiveness of SKY in reducing burnout is complemented by the fact that it instills a feeling of community and social support in practitioners. Practice in group sessions of SKY can enhance the sense of social connection, a protective factor for burnout, as indicated by Vasudev et al. (2022). This sense of community provides both emotional support and stimulates the sharing of coping strategies at work, therefore creating a work environment that fosters support.
There is a potential positive effect of integrating SKY into workplace wellness programs. Organizations that adopt SKY as part of their employee wellness initiatives have reported improvement in employee satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and overall workplace morale (Bhaskar et al., 2020). These outcomes suggest the potential for SKY as a holistic approach to managing workplace stress and preventing burnout.
In conclusion, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga offers a multifaceted approach to addressing workplace stress and burnout. Its effectiveness in reducing psychological distress, enhancing emotional regulation, and fostering social support makes it a valuable intervention for individuals in high-stress occupations. Continued research and implementation of SKY in workplace settings could provide significant benefits for employee well-being and organizational health.
Biography
Dr. Monika Pathania is an accomplished medical professional serving as an Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. She has also held key administrative roles as Ex-Associate Dean (Research) and Ex-Assistant Dean (Student Welfare) at the institute. With a distinguished academic background, including an MD in Internal Medicine and certifications in Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM, ASLM, ISLM), Dr. Pathania has significantly contributed to healthcare innovation. She pioneered the institute’s first “Lifestyle Disease Clinic” and later expanded it into an Integrative Medicine Clinic and a Professional Burnout and Well-Being Clinic. Her research portfolio includes 112 publications and 18 projects. She is a DFID fellow in diabetes from CMC Vellore and a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician. Additionally, she is a certified yoga instructor under AYUSH (200 hours) and SSY. Dr. Pathania’s excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Woman Researcher in Internal Medicine Award (VIWA 2024), Excellence in Research of the Year Award (DISTF-2023), and Best Teacher Award (2018). She has also received accolades for her presentations at national conferences and achievements in yoga competitions.