A Review study: Yogic Breathing and Relaxation Practices on Psychological Well-being among Genz Students
Deepika Rawal, Divyansh Jain
International Journal of Integrative Health and Mind-Body Medicine October 22, 2026 DOI: 10.65370/mff48x31 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Generation Z students |
| Interventions | Yogic breathing (pranayama) relaxation practices yoga-based interventions |
| Key findings | The authors conclude that yogic breathing and relaxation practices reduce perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and improve emotional balance, mindfulness, concentration, and well-being among Generation Z students. They also report positive effects on autonomic nervous system regulation, heart rate variability, respiratory function, and stress hormone levels, and argue that yoga is a safe, cost-effective, holistic intervention for student mental health. |
Abstract
Generation Z students are increasingly exposed to academic pressure, digital overload, social media influence, and lifestyle changes that contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, emotional instability, and reduced psychological well-being. These challenges can negatively affect academic performance, emotional health, and overall quality of life. Therefore, there is a growing need for effective, accessible, and non-pharmacological approaches to support student mental health. The present review examines the role of yogic breathing (pranayama) and relaxation practices in enhancing psychological well-being among Generation Z students. Relevant literature was collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and peer-reviewed journals, including randomized controlled trials, experimental studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. More than 25 studies were reviewed to evaluate the effects of yoga-based interventions on psychological and physiological outcomes. The findings indicate that yogic breathing and relaxation practices significantly reduce perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while improving emotional balance, mindfulness, concentration, and overall well-being. In addition, yoga positively influences physiological parameters such as autonomic nervous system regulation, heart rate variability, respiratory function, and stress hormone levels. These benefits contribute to improved mental resilience, cognitive performance, and quality of life among students. The review concludes that yoga is a safe, cost-effective, and holistic intervention that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by Generation Z students. Regular practice of yogic breathing and relaxation techniques may serve as an effective strategy for promoting psychological well-being, academic success, and long-term health.