Yoga an auxiliary tool in students’ lives: creating and re-creating balance in mindful bodies

Abstract

Student mental health is a global public health issue. This study was carried out on the premise that yoga constitutes a low barrier health-promoting activity of relevance for students. Data was generated through individual interviews with five students, aged 20-27, participating in a 12-week yoga program. Informed by phenomenology and somaesthetics the findings show how practicing yoga involves learning and establishing new habits across several dimensions. The findings shed light on the broader significance of yoga as a self-care practice with the potential to promote young people’s health, well-being and equilibrium in life.