The Exigency of Yoga and Mindfulness for Pre- Service Teachers

Abstract

A teacher serves as a conduit for transferring learning experiences from one generation to next. By applying their knowledge they can raise the pupil’s standard of living. Pre-service teachers, a full-fledge college students attending a formal organization of higher education who take training to be a future teacher by developing teaching skills, moral values, awareness and preparing themselves to enhance the well-being of their students. However, classroom discipline, assessing students work, insufficient teaching materials and supplies, dealing with problems of individual students, excessive workload and global competitiveness for jobs have increased the prevalence of stress, anxiety and mental health disorders among pre-service teachers (Veenman, 1984; Braun, 2024).Yoga and mindfulness are said to have a holistic impact on many psychological dimensions bringing everyone into the ultimate truth through emphasis on physical postures, breathing methods and meditation as well as fosters a holistic approach to wellness, promoting not only physical fitness but also mental health stability and brings one’s attention to the present moment while accepting and acknowledging one’s thought and feelings without any judgment. This study aims to assess the need of yoga and mindfulness activities for pre- service teachers and provide some techniques to overcome their mental health issues. For this purpose, descriptive survey method was used. Data were collected from 610 pre-services teachers of different universities (online and offline mode) using Mental Health Scale through convenience sampling technique. With the analysis of data, it was found that approximately 25.9 % pre- services teachers have poor mental health while 23.1 % shows good mental health and rest 51% of the sample indicates average level of mental health. Those pre- service teachers who have poor mental health can be suggested to practicing deep breathing, Anuloma-Vilom and some other mindfulness activities like SWAN analysis, scan your body etc. Regular practices for 45 days significantly enhance their cognitive engagement and concentration, and reduce mental health issues as well as to cope up with the challenges like anxiety, peer pressure, aggression, short attention etc.