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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM63138
Volume:
10 |
5 |
May 2026
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Researcher
VSSD PG College, Kanpur
Researcher
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University ,Kanpur
Assistant professor, Department of Physical Education
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education
VSSD PG College, Kanpur
Assistant professor, Department of Physical Education
VSSD PG College, Kanpur
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education
VSSD PG College ,Kanpur
The increasing prevalence of stress, anxiety, emotional instability, sleep disturbances, and psychosomatic disorders among college students has become a major concern in contemporary higher education systems worldwide. Academic pressure, digital overload, social expectations, competitive environments, and lifestyle irregularities negatively affect students’ psychophysiological well-being. In recent years, pranayama, an ancient yogic breathing discipline rooted in Indian philosophical traditions, has emerged as a holistic intervention for improving mental, emotional, physiological, and behavioral health. The present research paper critically examines the role of pranayama in enhancing psychophysiological well-being among college students through an interdisciplinary humanities-based academic perspective. Drawing upon classical yogic literature, contemporary neuroscience, psychology, psychophysiology, and educational studies, the paper investigates the effects of pranayama on stress reduction, emotional regulation, autonomic nervous system balance, cognitive functioning, cardiovascular stability, sleep quality, and academic performance. The study employs a qualitative analytical methodology based on secondary data collected from peer-reviewed journals, books, clinical studies, and academic databases. The findings suggest that regular pranayama practice significantly improves parasympathetic activation, reduces cortisol levels, enhances attention and emotional resilience, and promotes overall psychological stability among students. The paper further explores the philosophical foundations of breath regulation in yogic traditions and its relevance in modern educational settings. The discussion highlights pranayama as not merely a physical exercise but a transformative psychosocial practice contributing to holistic student development. The study concludes that integrating pranayama-based wellness programs within higher education institutions can serve as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving student well-being and educational outcomes.
KEYWORDS
Pranayama represents a powerful holistic intervention for improving psychophysiological well-being among college students. The practice influences autonomic regulation, emotional stability, cognitive functioning, respiratory health, and overall quality of life. In an era characterized by increasing psychological distress among students, pranayama offers a sustainable, non-pharmacological, and culturally rooted solution. Its interdisciplinary relevance across psychology, neuroscience, education, and humanities makes it an important subject for future academic inquiry. The study concludes that pranayama should be integrated into higher education wellness frameworks to promote holistic student development and mental health sustainability.
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Publication Date
5/15/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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Funding Agency: NA
Grant / Project ID: Nill
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