ABSTRACT:Surya Namaskara is a novel and invaluable contribution of Indian culture to mankind. Surya Namaskara practices help the students achieve mental, emotional and physical balance. It improves mental fitness, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Anxiety and stress are complex component of mind. All psychological components are reduced by Surya Namaskara.
Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to find out the effects of Surya Namaskara on anxiety and mental stress of college girls.
Methodology: Hundred (100) college girls of District Purba Medinipur, West Bengal State were selected at randomly as subjects for the present study. The age limit of the subjects was 19-23 years. All the subjects were divided into two equal groups such as Gr. ECG and Gr. CCG. Gr. ECG was experimental group and Gr. CCG served as control group. Initially Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Stress Questionnaire designed by The International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK) were employed to all the subjects of Gr. ECG and Gr. CCG and thereafter Surya Namaskara as a treatment were given to Gr. ECG for five days in a week and 60 minute and continued three months and finally the subjects were retested on criterion measures. The data were analysed by paired t–test to find out the effects of the treatment.
Results: The result of the present study showed that anxiety and mental stress of college girls were improved significantly among Gr. ECG after three month of practice Surya Namaskara as a treatment.
Conclusion: Anxiety and Mental Stress were improved significantly through the practice of Surya Namaskara.