Mental Health & Yoga Club

INFORMATION:

Recognizing the increasing mental health challenges in academic settings, Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research
Delhi proactively designed a structured program to provide professional, accessible, and sustainable support mechanisms. The Institute addressed key gaps such as the limited availability of specialized counselors and a lack of awareness among students and staff. By collaborating with organizations like AIIMS and YOUR DOST, Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research
Delhi institutionalized comprehensive mental health practices. emphasizes preventive care, early intervention, and the integration of mental health, yoga, and happiness into everyday academic life. It also serves as a replicable model for student well-being in educational institutions.

OBJECTIVES:

The primary objective is to establish a supportive ecosystem that fosters mental health, physical well-being, and happiness among students, faculty, and staff of Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research
Delhi. This includes:

• Providing timely mental health services
• Destigmatizing mental health conversations and encouraging support-seeking
• Enhancing overall resilience, emotional intelligence, and happiness
• Embedding mental well-being, yoga practices, and happiness initiatives into the Institute’s culture

The framework emphasizes preventive care, early intervention, and the integration of mental health, yoga, and happiness into everyday academic life. It also serves as a replicable model for student well-being in educational institutions.

Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research
Delhi has implemented a multi-tiered approach through the Mental Health, Yoga, and Happiness Club, promoting emotional well-being, mindfulness, stress relief, and a positive campus environment. Key initiatives include:

• Dedicated Counselling Services: The Institute employs two full-time mental health counselors and a psychiatrist, offering online and offline counseling to ensure accessibility. It has partnered with Your Dost for free online counseling.
• Workshops & Training: Regular workshops on stress management, coping mechanisms, and mental health awareness are conducted. The “Happiness Bootcamp” helps students practice mindfulness and build social connections.
• Yoga & Wellness Sessions: The club organizes yoga and meditation sessions to enhance mental resilience, physical well-being, and stress reduction. Certified instructors guide students and staff in breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
• Happiness Initiatives: The Happiness Club organizes activities such as poster-making competitions on positive thinking and talks on understanding intelligence and emotional quotients. These initiatives aim to promote creativity, positivity, and well-being among participants.
• Resource Accessibility: Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research
  Delhi has developed booklets on self-care, mindfulness, and stress management, along with a Student Well-being Handbook and a Mental Health Resource List for external support.
• Awareness Campaigns: The Institute launched an On-campus Happiness Campaign, featuring interactive activities, art installations, and self-reflection exercises. A Wellness Board oversees mental health initiatives, ensuring diverse representation.
• Peer Support Initiative: First-year students are paired with senior mentors to build positive relationships and encourage open discussions on mental health.

CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSSES

Initially, students hesitated to seek help due to stigma. Persistent awareness campaigns, peer-led discussions, and trust-building initiatives helped normalize conversations around mental health. The framework’s success is evident in increased counseling utilization, active participation in mental health programs, and reduced stigma.