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OPEN ACCESS PEER-REVIEWED

Conceptual Study – Published: June 12, 2020


Role of Regular Exercise and Yoga in Managing Occupational Stress among Teachers

Dr. Jain Shanthini, J.
ABSTRACT
Occupational stress is a prevalent issue among teachers, affecting their physical health, mental well-being, emotional balance, and overall job performance. The profession demands constant multitasking, emotional engagement, and effective interaction with students, colleagues, and school management. These pressures often lead to burnout, fatigue, and diminished job satisfaction. This study examines how regular physical exercise and yoga can serve as effective tools to manage and reduce occupational stress among teachers. Physical activity, including aerobic exercises, is shown to enhance cardiovascular fitness, increase energy levels, and stimulate endorphin production, which collectively alleviate physical symptoms of stress. Yoga, incorporating asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation, promotes mental clarity, emotional regulation, and inner calm—skills essential for coping with the challenges of the teaching profession. Drawing on a review of current research and observational evidence, this study highlights the significant improvements in emotional stability, stress tolerance, and interpersonal relationships among teachers who regularly practice exercise and yoga. Participants reported greater patience, improved communication with students and peers, and a stronger sense of professional fulfillment. The findings support the integration of structured wellness programs into schools, emphasizing the dual benefits of physical and mental rejuvenation. Encouraging educators to adopt these practices not only enhances individual health but also contributes to a more balanced, resilient, and productive educational environment.
Keywords: Occupational stress, teachers, physical exercise, yoga, mental well-being, emotional balance, wellness programs, educator health
This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
How to cite this article: Jain Shanthini, J. (2020). Role of regular exercise and yoga in managing occupational stress among teachers. Indian Educational Researcher, 13 (1), 19–26.
Received: April 17, 2020; Revision Received: May 14, 2020; Accepted: June 12, 2020.