Effect of Yoga Practice on Mental Health and Anxiety of College Students of Varanasi

Abstract

This study examined the effect of regular yoga practice on mental health and anxiety among college students in Varanasi City. A sample of 80 students aged 20–25 years was categorized into regular yoga practitioners and non-practitioners. Mental health and anxiety were assessed using the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) and Sinha’s Comprehensive Anxiety Test (SCAT-SS). Results indicated that students practicing yoga regularly showed significantly better mental health (M = 133.52, SD = 4.26) than non-practitioners (M = 120.06, SD = 3.82), along with significantly lower anxiety levels (M = 27.65, SD = 3.84 vs. M = 35.24, SD = 4.17). The findings suggest that regular yoga practice plays a significant role in enhancing mental well-being and reducing anxiety among young adults. Incorporating yoga into daily routines may therefore be an effective strategy for promoting emotional resilience and mental health in college students.