The Psychological Impact of COVID -19 and Mental Relaxation Practices by Amateur Boxers: A Qualitative Study
Sangeeta Vijayasimha, T Vijayalaya Srinivas
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology September 19, 2026 DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6.5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Amateur boxers from various boxing training centers in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Interventions | pranayama yoga guided meditation and relaxation Sudarshan Kriya progressive muscle relaxation positive affirmations |
| Key findings | The authors report that practicing mental relaxation techniques (pranayama, yoga, guided meditation, Sudarshan Kriya, progressive muscle relaxation, positive affirmations) was associated with improved mental health, emotional regulation, and coping skills among amateur boxers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identified five narrative themes covering psychological challenges, coping, adaptation, lifestyle/training changes, and positive reinforcement. |
Abstract
A COVID-19 outbreak had been spreading in many parts of the world since December 2019.Not only did the pandemic bring with it the chance of infectious mortality, but it has also brought with it a tremendous psychological burden.The study looked at the impact of emotional experiences and mental relaxation practices on amateur boxers in an urban Indian setting.The information was gathered using a semi-structured phone interview utilising a qualitative approach.A total of 25 amateur boxers were recruited from various training centers of boxing in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.The participants participated in the study to report their emotional experiences and use of mental relaxation practices during the pandemic.Effective practices like pranayama, Yoga, guided meditation and relaxation, Sudarshan Kriya, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and positive affirmations have created an impactful change in emotional well-being and coping abilities.The researcher created five themes using Riessman's Narrative analysis for a narrative approach: Psychological challenges faced during the pandemic, Mental relaxation as a strategy of coping, Psychological adaptation and changing of thinking, Adaptation of lifestyle and training, Positive affirmation and positive reinforcement.The findings showed that practicing mental relaxation techniques improved Mental health, emotional regulation and coping skills throughout the pandemic.