Impact of Yoga on Anxiety, Depression and Cognitive abilities among youth

Authors

  • Anand Kumar Singh
  • Varsha Arora Singh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v29i1.857

Keywords:

Yogic Intervention, mental health, Cognitive Ability, Emotional Wellness, Young Adults

Abstract

AIM: Yoga is a holistic practice which fosters mental, physical and spiritual wellness. In today’s world where stress is a major contributor of mental health problems in young adults, there is a grave need to eliminate mental restlessness and maintain cognitive health in students. We have found that students benefit greatly from practicing yoga that  improve their cognitive health and overcome their depression and anxiety. It is the fruit of penance of our sages that we have inherited these wonderful practices. So, they can easily overcome the struggles in life. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Yogic interventions for cognitive ability.

METHODS: A total of 54 students [26 females & 28 male] aged between 19 and 26 participated in the study. They underwent daily yoga session over a period of 30 days. To evaluate changes in cognitive abilities and emotional functioning, assessments were conducted both before and after the intervention using the short Bhatia Battery Performance Tests of Intelligence, Beck Depression Inventory and Sinha’s comprehensive Anxiety test were used.

RESULTS: The results showed Yogic interventions have positive effects on mental health, improving cognitive performance, anxiety and Depression.

CONCLUSION: Stress is inevitable in human life. But overcoming it and living a beautiful life is also in the hands of man. It is possible to reduce stress that students face through yoga. The sages have worked to awaken the power of the soul. But that power manifests itself in human life, through the mind. The work of radically changing the mind is done through yoga. Yoga changes the mind of the students and takes a constructive turn. The mind can be refreshed again and its lost strength can be regained by very scientific yoga .

 

 

Author Biographies

Anand Kumar Singh

Asst. Prof. & HOD, Department of Clinical Psychology, SKD University, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan

Varsha Arora Singh

Assistant Professor & Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Clinical Psychology, SKD University, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan

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Published

2026-01-10