Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath Meditation on Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students

The investigators are conducting a small pilot study to explore whether a specific type of breath-based meditation-Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY)-can support the well-being of university students. Over the course of eight weeks, 56 undergraduate and graduate students will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will take part in the SKY program, while the other will follow a general online yoga routine that does not include breathwork.

Participants in the SKY group will begin with a three-day in-person retreat, followed by weekly virtual sessions and independent home practice. The control group will engage in self-paced online yoga and receive occasional check-ins.

The primary focus of this study is feasibility: whether investigators can successfully recruit participants, maintain engagement, and support adherence to the intervention. The study will also examine whether SKY contributes to improvements in participants' physical and mental well-being. In addition to monitoring physical activity, the study will assess changes in perceived stress, anxiety, resilience, social connectedness, and cognitive focus-key areas that commonly affect student populations.

All participants will complete validated mental health and wellness questionnaires before and after the program. Data will be analyzed using statistical methods that include all enrolled participants, regardless of program completion. The SKY practices are considered low-risk and have been used in diverse populations; all data will be handled confidentially and securely.

This research is intended to lay the foundation for a larger study and provide early insight into how SKY breathwork practices may help students navigate academic demands with increased calm, clarity, and resilience.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must:

• be currently enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at the university in Alabama;
• be at least 18 years old;
• speak and read English;
• be available to attend a 3-day in-person retreat and twice-weekly online sessions for SKY breath program over 8 weeks;
• be able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants will be excluded if they:

• have a serious psychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, psychotic disorders) that could be exacerbated by group-based interventions;
• are in acute psychiatric crisis; such as, active suicidal ideation
• have acute medical conditions that contraindicate light physical activity or breathwork;
• are unable to obtain physician clearance for participation due to chronic conditions (e.g., uncontrolled asthma, severe cardiovascular disease, active psychiatric illness requiring intensive treatment).