COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS USING YOGA AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

Medical science reports an escalating problem with mental health issues because stress levels keep mounting to affect our physical health and create chronic medical conditions. The recent trends demand immediate implementation of preventive mental well-being approaches that are inclusive to all people. This chapter demonstrates the union which develops through combining Indian traditions of Yoga with modern Positive Psychology. The two systems base their models around strength-based wellness frameworks which make them strong for community-based interventions. Social programs powered by Asana together with Pranayama and Meditation combine with resilience-building and gratitude journaling to create spaces that develop emotional regulation along with social connection and self-awareness for community members. The chapter provides real-world evidence through indigenous yoga practices and demonstrates how reasonably priced Indian philosophy and psychological science tools enable mental health caregiving during primary, secondary and tertiary prevention phases. The text presents guidelines which aim to expand these interventions throughout rural and urban areas of India.