IMPACT OF YOGA BASED INTERVENTIONS ONPSYCHOLOGICAL WELL BEING AND ACADEMICPERFORMANCE IN HEALTHCARE TRAINEEST OFYOGA BASED INTERVENTIONS ON PSYCHOLOGICALWELL BEING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INHEALTHCARE TRAINEES

Abstract

Healthcare students, including medical, nursing, and allied health trainees, experience substantial academic, clinical, and emotional pressures that contribute to stress, anxiety, burnout, and reduced well-being. Research indicates that approximately 34% of healthcare trainees experience anxiety, while depression affects up to 27%, negatively influencing cognitive function, memory retention, clinical performance, and overall quality of life. This review explores yoga as a sustainable intervention to support the psychological health and academic success of healthcare trainees. Yoga, which integrates physical postures [asanas], breathing techniques [pranayama], and meditation [dhyana], has been shown to reduce perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while enhancing mood regulation and resilience. Through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and the cultivation of mindfulness, yoga promotes emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies. Evidence also suggests that yoga improves attention, working memory, executive functioning, sleep quality, and academic performance, all of which are essential for effective learning and clinical decision-making. Despite these benefits, barriers such as limited time, inadequate institutional support, and skepticism hinder the integration of yoga into healthcare education. Emerging initiatives incorporating brief and accessible yoga practices within wellness curricula have demonstrated promising outcomes in reducing stress and improving student well-being. Integrating yoga into healthcare training programs may serve as a proactive, cost-effective strategy to enhance mental health, strengthen resilience, and support academic achievement among future healthcare professionals. Further research is needed to identify effective implementation approaches that ensure the sustainability and widespread adoption of yoga-based interventions in healthcare education.