Effect of heartfulness meditation on mental health and gene expression

INTERVENTION: Participants will be computer randomized to a Heartfulness meditation arm or a control arm with no specific intervention. The intervention includes daily guided Heartfulness meditation through a certified trainer for 12 weeks. Perceived stress scale (PSS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‐21) and impostor phenomenon scales will be administered prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks. Gene expression profile, biomarkers and an fMRI brain scan will be done prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks. CONDITION: Stress and anxiety in healthy volunteers ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: ; 1. Stress measured with the perceived stress scale (PSS) prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks; 2. Anxiety measured with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‐21) prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks; 3. Impostor syndrome measured using the Impostor Syndrome Scale prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks; 4. Brain changes measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks; 5. Biomarkers measured using serological test prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks; 6. Gene expression profile including NFkB (Nuclear Factor kappa B) transcriptome analysis using mRNA sequencing prior to the study and at the end of 12 weeks; SECONDARY OUTCOME: Qualitative experience gathered using interviews at the end of the study INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Adults above 18 years of age 2. Those who give consent for the study