2026, Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part B

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a 21-day structured yoga intervention on the mental health of adults residing in Varanasi city. Mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and emotional instability are increasingly common among middle-aged adults due to occupational pressure, family responsibilities, and urban lifestyle demands. Yoga, as a holistic mind-body practice, has been recognized as an effective non-pharmacological approach for enhancing psychological well-being. However, limited empirical research has focused on short-term yoga interventions using standardized mental health measures among urban adult populations.

A total sample of 100 participants, comprising 50 males and 50 females aged between 30 and 45 years, was selected through purposive sampling. The study employed a pre-test-post-test research design. Mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) developed by A. K. Shrivastava, which measures various dimensions of mental health including emotional stability, self-concept, autonomy, and overall psychological adjustment. Prior to the intervention, all participants were administered the MHI as a pre-test. The participants then underwent a 21-day yoga program consisting of different yogic practices such as asanas, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques, conducted for 45-60 minutes daily under expert supervision. After completion of the intervention, the MHI was re-administered as a post-test.

The results revealed a significant improvement in overall mental health scores following the yoga intervention. Statistical analysis using the paired sample t-test indicated that post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores at the 0.01 level of significance. Both male and female participants demonstrated marked improvement in mental health after the intervention, indicating that yoga was equally effective across genders.

The findings of the study suggest that a short-term, 21-day yoga intervention can produce meaningful positive changes in mental health among adults. The study supports the inclusion of yoga as a cost-effective, accessible, and holistic strategy for promoting mental well-being in urban populations.