Influence of meditation in reducing stress of the practitioners

Background: In the fast and competitive pace of life existing now, psychological stress has become a serious problem for many people. Meditation is a non-invasive technique for reducing stress and making people happier and healthy. It is in this background that this study was carried out by Satyananda Yoga Research Centre, Kozhikode, Kerala, India, in collaboration with WEDO (NGO), Kozhikode. Research Design: Data was collected using a questionnaire from a random sample of 90 respondents on their stress level before and after three months of breath awareness meditation imparted to them, and the level of happiness due to the practice of meditation. Tools used: The questionnaire consisted of the psychological tools to quantify Stress (Kessler et al, 2003) and Happiness (Hills and Argyle, 2002). Data was analysed and interpreted as frequencies and scores using t test and correlation. Results: When compared to before the meditation practice, more respondents experience low stress after meditation for three months. Maximum proportion of respondents are experiencing low to medium stress only after meditation. Statistically significant difference exists between the mean stress score of males and females after meditation, with females experiencing comparatively more stress than males. Meditators having low stress are experiencing the maximum level of happiness, followed by those having medium stress, while the lowest level of happiness is experienced by the meditators having high stress. No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean happiness score of males and females after meditation. Statistically significant difference in the mean happiness score is observed between the low and medium stress score categories of meditators as well as between the low and high stress score categories. The relationship between stress and happiness of the meditators is also established by the statistically significant high correlation value of 0.72 observed between these parameters. Conclusion: The study establishes the influence of meditation in reducing the stress level of the practitioners. Maximum proportion of respondents are experiencing low to medium stress only after meditation for three months, with males having less stress than females. The influence of reduced stress due to meditation in improving the happiness of meditators is also evident from this study.