Role of yoga and meditation in academic stress management among teenagers
Swapan Banerjee, Shweta Gupta, R. Jakhotia, Mahendra Kumar Dhakad, Shalini Saxena
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Holistic Health May 21, 2026 DOI: 10.18231/j.jpmhh.97740.1779352890 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key points | Argues that yoga and meditation, as culturally relevant mind-body strategies, can help adolescents manage academic stress, with evidence suggesting regular practice reduces perceived stress and anxiety, improves attention and executive functioning, and increases resilience. |
Abstract
Academic stress is a serious issue for adolescents' mental health during higher secondary exams, and career-related uncertainty has reached its peak. Over-involvement in school can negatively affect attention span, sleep schedule, motivation, and, consequently, academic performance and overall health. Yoga and meditation are low-cost, culturally relevant mind–body strategies that can be incorporated into the school environment to support adolescents' ability to manage their stress. A series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and sensory practices to encourage relaxation, emotional balance, and improved self-regulation. The yoga and meditation practices observed in a school and college environment suggest that regular practice can help reduce perceived stress and anxiety, improve attention and executive functioning, and increase students' resilience. This short communication discusses yoga and meditation as possible interventions to address the academic distress of teenagers, examines current evidence on their use, and explains how to implement structured yoga and meditation programs in higher secondary schools.