Effects of nadi-shodhan pranayama and yoga-nidra on emotional maturity and mental health of young adults

Context: Young adulthood is an age of complex development marked by various concerns of mental and emotional well-being of the individuals which could lay grounds for development of mental health issues in later life. Mental health and emotional maturity are two such major concerns. Yoga is seen to be very effective for improving mental as well as emotional well-being. Aim: The impetus of the present study was to examine the effects of yoga practices which include Nadi-Shodhan Pranayama and Yoga-Nidra on mental health and emotional maturity of the participants.  Settings and Design: A yoga specific practice programme which included nadi-shodhan pranayama and yoga-nidra was used as the intervention plan. The intervention was practised by the participants daily from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM for a month. Methods and Material: A total sample size of thirty young adults was selected from a college situated in Uttrakhand (India). They were administered on Emotional Maturity Scale and Mental Health Scale before and after the intervention.  Statistical Analysis Used: Paired t-test method was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained by administrating the tests before and after the intervention. Results: All the participants attended the whole intervention plan. The yoga practices (nadi-shodhan pranayama and yoga-nidra) significantly increased the level of mental health (p<0.01) and emotional maturity (p<0.01). Conclusion: Nadi-shodhan pranayama and yoga-nidra both improve an individual’s emotional maturity and mental health. Apart from its physical benefits, yogic interventions have a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being.