2026, Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A

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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.