Stress Management in Higher Education: The Role of On-line Yoga and Digital Learning

Aim and Objective: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 supports blended learning, allowing up to 40% of coursework online to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, with online yoga sessions offering stress relief for higher education students, especially during the pandemic. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of online yoga as a stress management tool for higher education students, assessing its impact on reducing perceived stress levels. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate how online and digital learning methods in yoga can foster mindfulness and resilience against academic stress, in line with the NEP 2020’s emphasis on blended and accessible education. Design/Methodology: The study employed a pre- and post-test experimental design involving 30 higher education students from SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Participants were divided into an experimental group, which underwent a 12-week online yoga program, and a control group, which received no intervention. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before and after the intervention, with a follow-up assessment three months later. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0, specifically the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, to compare stress level changes within and between groups. Results: The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed a statistically significant reduction in stress levels in the yoga group (Z = -3.413, p = 0.001), with all participants showing improvement. In contrast, the control group exhibited mixed results, with no significant change in stress levels (Z = -0.345, p = 0.730). This indicates that the online yoga program was effective in reducing stress, likely due to enhanced mindfulness practices, such as self-compassion, reduced self-criticism, and better emotional regulation. Findings: The findings support the role of online and digital learning for yoga in managing academic stress, providing students with practical tools like asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Additionally, mindful internet and social media use were promoted as part of the program, offering a holistic approach to stress relief. Incorporate online yoga programs into the higher education curriculum to address stress and promote well-being, aligning with the NEP’s focus on blended learning. Mindfulness practices, including self-compassion and emotional regulation, should be integrated into stress management strategies . Expanding the yoga program to a larger, diverse student body will validate its effectiveness across academic settings.