NEURAL CORRELATES OF MINDFULNESS-BASED ASANAS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STRESS REGULATION AND COGNITIVE CONTROL, INDIA

Stress is one of the most pressing health and productivity challenges of our time, undermining focus, decision-making, and resilience. This study explored how mindfulness-based asanas influence stress regulation and cognitive control in India, where stress-related conditions affect both students and professionals. Using a descriptive design and secondary data drawn from peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and international datasets, the study analyzed neural, behavioral, and cognitive measures. Results showed that posture focus raised prefrontal activation, movement rhythm improved network connectivity, and mind-body integration enhanced insula and ACC activity, with overall reductions in amygdala reactivity. Regression analysis confirmed all three practices significantly predicted outcomes, with mind-body integration showing the strongest effect (β = 0.352). The model explained 68.1 percent of variance, and the correlation coefficient between asana practices and outcomes was strong at r = 0.758. These findings suggest that accessible asana-based mindfulness practices can reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and strengthen executive control. Policymakers and educators can apply these results by embedding low-cost mindfulness routines into schools, workplaces, and community health programs. Recommendations include tailoring interventions to high-stress groups, training facilitators in simple breath-paced routines, and integrating monitoring tools to track both behavioral and neural outcomes.