Mindfulness and Yoga Research for leaders
RESEARCH STUDIES
1. Stress & Burnout Reduction
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2278533717692906
- Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Executives: Results from a Field Experiment.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11086195/
- Reviewed 30 studies; MBSR significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress among Health Care Professionals boosted mindfulness and self-compassion—but had more limited effects on burnout and resilience, suggesting those traits may need longer-term strategies (PMC).
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0191332
- Meta-review found MBSR reduced emotional exhaustion, stress, distress, depression, anxiety, and occupational stress in employees (PLOS).
Physician Mindfulness & Burnout (2022 Scoping Review)
- Across 31 studies, mindfulness reduced emotional exhaustion and depersonalization among physicians, improved mood/stress response, and enhanced vigor, self-awareness, compassion, and empathy (Frontiers).
2. Cognitive & Emotional Resilience
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27429096/
- Eight-week MBSR studies showed reduced activation in emotion processing areas (amygdala, insula, hippocampus) and improved executive control (ACC), indicating better emotion regulation and attention (Wikipedia).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12162711/
- MBSR-based training improved working memory and mood among Marines before deployment—suggesting transferable benefits for leaders in high-pressure roles (Wikipedia).
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3. Well‑being & Performance
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10948432/
- The mindful leader: a review of leadership qualities derived from mindfulness meditation
https://www.sigmaassessmentsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SIGMA_The-ROI-of-Mindfulness.pdf
- Over 7,000 employees took SAP's Search Inside Yourself program. Four weeks after, they experienced a 5.2% stress reduction, 10% improved focus, and higher creativity and clarity. SAP reported ROI of 200%, reduced absenteeism, and higher engagement—with potential €50M–€95M revenue impact per percentage point in engagement (Ascent Leadership Institute).
4. Organizational ROI
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11505461/
- Maximizing the Impact and ROI of Leadership Development: A Theory- and Evidence-Informed Framework
https://www.siyglobal.com/emotional-intelligence-programs/search-inside-yourself
- Organizations introducing programs like SIY (Search Inside Yourself) have seen up to 200% ROI (siyglobal.com).
DEFINITION OF ACRONYMS -
MBSR - MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION:
(A specific method of meditation developed by psychologist Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979
https://www.mindfulleader.org/what-is-mbsr
ACC
(Anterior Cingulate Cortex)
https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/cognitive-psychology/anterior-cingulate-cortex
ROI:
(Return On Investment)