The role of Yoga in working from home during the COVID-19 global lockdown

1Introduction

First detected in the Chinese city Wuhan in late 2019, COVID-19 belongs to the family of SARS and MERS-CoV. The number of infected people and consequent deaths have increased dramatically as a result of rapid viral infections across the globe. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk of developing COVID-19. Recent reports reveal that coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, are capable of modulating the host immune detection [1] and creating underlying medical conditions and weaken immune systems making them more vulnerable to infections [2, 3]. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological immune-modulatory interventions, empowered to combat such pathogens, are being discovered through intensified experimentation and trials [4–6].

Since the declaration of the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the uncertainty, stress and pre-conceived opinions are being circulated in social media, further exacerbating the situation causing fear, anxiety and stress in communities and healthcare workers alike. In order to restrain the transmission of infection (and panic), several ‘hotspot localities’ have been locked down. These conditions further escalated the conditions of stress among residents of the pandemic and containment regions [7], either due to new situations of working from home or loss of jobs. Healthcare workers with a medical and para-clinical background are also at high risk of developing psychological stress, strain, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder [8, 9] and requires rehabilitative therapy to deal with the crisis.

Traditional Indian health practices such as Yoga, Siddha, Ayurveda and homeopathy have been known to prevent, treat and control several diseases [10]. These practices are 5000 years old and have been cited in ancient Indian literature. Yoga is one of the widely accepted and structured lifestyle practices which promotes the integration of the mind, body and soul. These practices are known to have a strong influence on the psychology [11] and immune system [12].

The Common Yoga Protocol was proposed by the Indian government for International Yoga Day. This Protocol includes all the aspects of Yoga practice, for instance postures (Asanas), breathing techniques (Paranayama) and meditation (Dhyana) [13]. Yoga has been shown to exert health promoting effects by influencing the neuro-psycho-immune capacity through the improvement of psychological balance. Therefore, the Common Yoga Protocol can be universally adopted as a recourse to modify the lifestyle of every age group and to provide mental and physical health benefits during the pandemic outbreak. Thus, we advocate the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol for risk reduction of COVID-19, as it may be useful for the enhancement of immunity and to combat anxiety, glucose, hypertension and stress induced by the pandemic.

2Fundamental mechanism for COVID-19 infection

COVID-19 is an associate of Coronaviridae (CoV). It is an enveloped virus with single stranded positive sense Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA) as a genetic material. COVID-19 infection predominantly causes respiratory illness with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic fever, cough, fatigue and diarrhea and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) along with fatal multi organ collapse in certain cases [14]. COVID-19 incorporates spike protein which first binds itself to the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor on the host cell surface. Once the binding has taken place, the S protein undergoes conformational change in order to facilitate fusion of viral envelope to cell membrane via the endosomal pathway. Next, the virus releases its RNA into the host cell, where viral proteins and genome RNA are subsequently assembled into virions in Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and Golgi. Finally, it is transported via vesicles and released from the cell transfecting others simultaneously [15].

3Pre-existing health conditions increase the mortality rate of COVID-19 infection

Coronaviruses have been observed as primary sources of respiratory and intestinal infections which embrace influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and pneumonias—a trigger to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [16]. CVD as linked to comorbidities raises the incidence and severity of infectious diseases like COVID-19 [17]. The data that has been provided here proves the aforementioned contention: A study, which reported the mortality due to COVID-19 and cardiac injury, includes 416 hospitalized patients of which 57 died. Among them, 10.6% of the patients had a coronary heart disease, 4.1% suffered from heart failure, 5.3% had cerebrovascular diseases and at least 20% had cardiac injury [18]. Another study from Wuhan, China reported 187 COVID-19 patients, out of which 43 died. 35% of the infected patients had cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, coronary heart disease, or cardiomyopathy) (13). Another Chinese study consisted of 44,672 confirmed cases, out of which 1023 (2.3%) died, and out of the total deaths, 10.5% had underlying cardiovascular diseases with COVID-19 symptoms [19]. Diabetic patients have an equal risk of succumbing to COVID-19 infection, especially in countries like India with high prevalence of diabetic population which predisposes them to high risk of COVID-19 and its related complications [20], posing challenges for costs of healthcare.

Since a lavish lifestyle further increases the risk of diseases like COVID-19 [21], diabetes [22] and hypertension, a cost effective non-pharmacological intervention such as Yoga can effectively reduce the risk of CVDs which consequently increases the risk of COVID-19 and related complications. Yoga can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19 by modulating weight [23], lipid profile [24], blood pressure [25] and stress [26].

4Anxiety and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic

There is a universal anxiety due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This permeates through all sections of society. Some underprivileged sections of the society, especially migrant workers, are more prone to the present circumstances, because of its profound impact on their ‘daily wage’ employment composition [27, 28]. On the other hand, there is a section of society which has witnessed increased cases of domestic violence due to the lockdown [29]. Similarly, a shortage of protective gears to take care of COVID-19 patients generates a sense of fear among frontline workers which makes them susceptible to stress and anxiety [30]. As workplaces have been closed and businesses have been affected due to a nationwide lockdown, the general anxiety and stress exerts a significant impact on physiological changes in individuals [31, 32]. These physiological alterations make them more vulnerable to viral infections [33–35]. It is widely accepted that stress, insomnia and anxiety can lead to a decrease in melatonin levels (a natural antioxidant) in the human body [36]. Various studies have demonstrated that the melatonin level decreases with age [37, 38]. As a result, the elderly appear more prone to the COVID-19 infection. Thus, increased melatonin levels may partially compensate for the age-related risk of COVID-19 infection. Further, it is pertinent to point out that the current lockdown has also adversely affected the daily schedule and sleep cycle [39], thus affecting the circadian rhythm with a bearing on the immune system [40]. This highlights the importance of self -regulatory mind-body interventions such as a structured daily schedule and Yoga practice

5Current therapies for prevention and treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic

Currently, various vaccines and drugs are in the clinical trial phase for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. For example, the drugs hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) [41], remdesivir [42], rotonavir-lopinavir [43] and convalescent plasma therapy are undergoing clinical trials. So far none of these drugs have been proclaimed as a final call for the COVID-19 infection. Therefore, high quality multi-centric randomized trials with larger sample sizes are required to evaluate the efficacy of prospective drugs. The aforementioned alternative therapies which can enhance the immunity and prevent the infection are imperative. An interdisciplinary task force under the supervision of Health Ministry AYUSH (Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) and Indian Council of Medical Research is planning to conduct an HCQ versus Ashwagandha clinical trial to understand the comparative effectiveness of prophylaxis in healthcare workers [44]. Since the lockdown eventually has to be relaxed and the workplaces have to be fully operational with social distancing norms, a good immune system based on cost effective non-pharmacological intervention seems to be an attractive choice to combat infection.

6Yoga enhances the immune system and psychological development of human beings

Yoga is widely accepted as a potential regimen in order to address emotional, physical and mental attributes. The example cited above has demonstrated that it relieves the mental stress [45] and enhances immunity to a disease and can also be helpful in the current pandemic [46]. Yoga maintains a balance in the autonomic nervous system through enhancing the parasympathetic activity and lowering the sympathetic activity else it can result in a state of depression and stress. The practice of Yoga also enhances GABA, the inhibitory neurotransmitter system in part via the stimulation of the vagus nerve [47]. The stress hormones (such as cortisol) which compromise the immune system [48, 49], can be balanced through Yoga practice because of its inclusion of slow breathing practice which improves the lung capacity and respiratory health for optimal performance and wellness [50]. In addition, it has been shown that Yoga assists in improving the blood circulation in order to supply the oxygenated blood to multiple organs for smooth optimal function [51].

Recent research on healthcare professionals has shown a significant improvement in personal accomplishment, depression, anxiety, stress, perceived resilience and compassion by practice of Yoga [52]. Research on Yoga techniques has produced some interesting findings about their key role in reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. This includes IL-1β, IL 6 and TNF α which implicates risk reduction for diseases with inflammatory component [12]. Despite research and development activities in Yoga, it has not been officially accepted as a public health intervention strategy in the workplace.

Since the workplaces and hospitals are replete with continuous anxiety, stress and fear of infection and a restricted access to parks, gyms and swimming, an in-house Yoga practice provides a remedy to an inactive lifestyle and work from home during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

7Yoga protocols to cope with the stressful situation

Various online platforms, for example Yoga Scholars PGIMER on Facebook, are providing uninterrupted live sessions which focus on an interface between public and healthcare workers. These sessions comprise experts from Yoga, science and spiritual fields to promote the philosophy of Yoga practice and to provide demonstrations of Yoga practices, seemingly helpful in anxiety and stress management. These online platforms have been endorsed by the Ministry of AYUSH (@Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India).

In this context, it is important to note that Nagarathna et al. have recently proposed an age-specific Yoga protocol which postulates the therapeutic effect of Yoga in COVID-19 prevention and management [53]. They conducted a study using an eight pronged Yoga breathing procedure which consists of very simple neck muscle relaxation movements and Asana with breathing techniques, including adaptation to a chair. There was a significant improvement in the peak expiratory flow rate by >20% within 30 minutes of the practice, and the patients developed confidence and reduced panic and anxiety [53].

These modules are available on http://svyasa.edu.in and have been developed with the help of experts in Yoga techniques. A clinical study on these protocols demonstrates interest and recovery among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in various countries, communicated as a separate publication [53].

Some Yoga practices which are a part of the Common Yoga Protocol [13] have been described to successfully decrease stress and anxiety levels, and have presented other benefits as well. These practices include: Anulom Vilom Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramhari Pranayama and meditation. Practices like Kapalbhati (forceful exhalation by contracting the abdominal muscles) have been found useful to purify the frontal air sinuses and also aid to overcome cough disorders which maintains the health of respiratory tract and boosts immunity.

Along with the above-mentioned Yoga practices, certain Asanas, if practiced under supervision, have also been shown to relieve stress. This includes Sasankasana (hare posture), Bhujangasana (cobra posture), Makrasana (crocodile posture) and Setubandhasana (bridge posture). Most of these constitute a part of the Common Yoga Protocol practiced on International Yoga Day. The practice of some of these protocols at workplaces/offices can enable risk reduction for COVID-19.

8Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global shutdown with people becoming more vulnerable to new mental, emotional and physical challenges as they have been restricted to work from home. The exacerbation of existing comorbid conditions and further deterioration in mental health can be addressed by work from home-adapted Yoga techniques (e.g. 5 min Y break AYUSH Protocol) by utilization of online portals and novel Yoga modules. 45 minute Common Yoga Protocol practiced on International Day of Yoga is recommended for this. Maintaining health due the unavailability of drugs and vaccines to combat COVID-19 is crucial. Based on the current evidence, Yoga practice can reduce the risks of comorbid conditions and strengthen the immune system by relieving stress and anxiety or directly improving immune markers or both. Yoga can be employed at home and workplaces alike.

Conflict of interest

None to report.