"Consciousness of Yoga in Reducing Stress among Adolescents"

Abstract

In spite of extensive research all over the globe, decreasing quality of life, increasing health hazards, social unrest, student unrest, etc. are all different expressions of stress. Selye and Levi (1975) defined "stress as a nonspecific, conventional and phylogenetic basic response pattern, the primary function of which is to prepare the body for physical activity such as resistance or flight". Stanley Hall describes the period of adolescence as "a period of great stress and strain, storm and strife." Developmentally, adolescents are not initially too capable of handling much stress in their lives and it affects their academic and personal life. But, more & more researches reveal that yoga is an important tool for reduction of stress. With special concern it is helping teenagers in dealing with stress and thus is one of the foremost objectives of Yoga. In this aspect there is a need to create consciousness of Yoga to reduce stress during adolescence in academic and personal life among adolescents. Secondary physical education teachers have to take initiatives in imparting and practicing yoga in school, in addition a separate Yoga subject can be incorporated at secondary level; supportively suitable curriculum should be structured by the concerned organization in the view of adolescent-student to help them in reducing anxiety and stress.