Revitalizing Higher Education: Integrating Ayurveda Lifestyles for Gen Z in Nepal

Abstract

The rapid socio-cultural and technological changes, from which Nepal is not excluded, are impacting Gen Z students and shifting educational environments globally. Changing teaching and learning environments, increasing stress, conflicts and workplace disputes are common behavioral issues reported at workplaces and higher education institutions. Gen Z individuals, working late at night and sleeping during the daytime, find themselves in stressful environments, which make their lifestyles unbalanced. These problems highlight that current higher education is able to impart knowledge and skills, but attitude modeling is lacking. Ayurveda provides a fundamental model with a holistic approach through its comprehensive framework of Swasthavritta (balanced lifestyle). The study uses a thematic analysis and suggests that using a pedagogical framework combining Swasthavritta (the circle of health), Sadvritta (code of conduct), Aachaaraa Rasayana (behavioral rejuvenation), traditional Ayurveda-based lifestyle and mentorship-based modeling can enhance moral perception and reduce increasing strain, conflicts, and workplace disputes. The paper asserts that a pedagogical background and mentorship model framed to suit this specific theme shall successfully nurture ethical professionalism, reducing stressful clashes among Gen Z students.