The Effects of Yoga on College Students
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Date
2024-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
My research asks, “How can Yoga effect college students mentally and physically throughout a semester?” This study analyzed how Yoga can help manage stress in challenging times, particularly midterms and finals week. My reasoning for researching this topic was to understand why college students decided to enroll in Yoga, will continue the practice in the future and should Yoga be implemented more into college schedules to help with mental stress. I distributed two Qualtrics surveys to participants during the Autumn 2023 semester, the first survey was distributed during midterm week and the second survey during finals week. The first survey asked about previous yoga experience, reasons for enrolling in Yoga, and if participants experienced any change mentally or physically since being in the class. The second survey included questions geared towards their overall experience with Yoga and whether they would be enrolling in Yoga for the previous following? semester. Both surveys included multiple choice and short answer options for participants to write about their observation and experience within the Yoga class. The first survey showed that most participants had a general understanding of the practice of Yoga, with one participant taking the class to get her Yoga certification. Participants enjoyed the environment that Yoga provided and the ability to have “designated time to focus on myself and relax.” The final survey resulted in most participants content with their choice of taking Yoga and finding a comfortable flow, when asked how yoga has helped them mentally one participant stated “Yoga has helped me relax. It takes my mind off of the worries and stress of school. I am able to zone out and focus on my mental and physical well-being. This has allowed for a more calm semester.” In conclusion, participants felt that Yoga was beneficial to their stressful semester and would utilize Yoga aspects of breathing and meditation to improve their mental and physical health.
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Keywords
Yoga, Physical Health, College Students, Mental Health, Stress, Academic Burnout