BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF OM CHANTING ON PERCEIVED STRESS, AUDITORY AND VISUAL REACTION TIME IN PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

Practicing ``OM'' chanting has been reported to reduce stress levels and improve cognitive functions. Objective of the study was to observe beneficial effects of ``OM'' chanting on perceived stress and auditory and visual reaction time in private school teachers. 8 female school teachers of aged 27-40 years were part of this study after obtaining informed consent. Participants served as self-controls. After adequate training sessions, participants performed Om chanting once in a day at 6:00 am daily at meditation hall in school premises for 12 weeks under the supervision of yoga teacher. Perceived stress was recorded by using perceived stress scale. Auditory and visual reaction time was recorded by auditory and visual reaction time apparatus manufactured by Anand Agencies, Pune. We have observed significant decrease (P<0.05) in stress and significant improvement (P<0.05) in both auditory and visual reaction times in the participants followed by OM chanting. Our study provides further evidence for beneficial effects of OM chanting. We recommend Practicing OM chanting for better stress management and cognitive functions.