The Benefits of Yoga: Reducing Anxiety Among Chapman University Students

High expectations of Chapman University students and the uncertainty of their future contribute to increased levels of anxiety. Researchers at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy have shown that there is a negative correlation between yoga and anxiety. We propose that a 15-minute vinyasa yoga flow held on Zoom will reduce anxiety levels among the university participants. Vinyasa yoga flow consists of mindful breathing exercises and breath-to-movement coordination, stimulating the vagus nerve and promoting the parasympathetic “rest and digest” nervous system response. This leads to a state of relaxation. Participants will complete a survey measuring their anxiety levels immediately before and after the yoga session to measure the change. Reports of decreased anxiety levels would suggest that the mindful practice is effective in reducing anxiety among college students, despite the remote environment. This is useful for campuses to potentially implement vinyasa yoga for anxiety regulation in their student population while life is online. Furthermore, positive results from this study will suggest that online platforms such as Zoom or Skype have the ability to help those suffering from anxiety