The role of yoga in shaping intrinsic motivation for a healthy lifestyle among higher education students
Scientific Journal of National Pedagogical Dragomanov University Series 15 Scientific and pedagogical problems of physical culture (physical culture and sports) March 25, 2026 Nataliia Volovyk, Olena Pidvalna, Bohdan Antonevych
Yoga integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health through movement, breathing, and meditation. The article argues that yoga fosters intrinsic motivation for a healthy lifestyle among university students by shifting engagement from controlled to self-determined. Traditional physical education neglects psycho-emotional components, reducing adherence. Yoga addresses this through three pathways: developing interoceptive awareness, modulating stress via the HPA axis, and improving cognitive control through prefrontal neuroplasticity. It also satisfies needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness per Self-Determination Theory. Biological markers like increased GABA and BDNF reinforce habit formation. The authors contend that yoga transforms physical activity from an obligation into an internal need, supporting sustainable health behaviors.