Why You Should Yawn More (Yes, Really)
Supporting Your Nervous System with One Simple (and Free!) Tool
Today I was getting an assisted stretch — side note: if you haven’t tried this yet, you need to! Total game-changer.
Anyway, I digress.
I started yawning mid-stretch and, a little embarrassed, apologized to my wonderful Stretch Therapist. Without missing a beat, she said, “Don’t worry about it — it’s just your nervous system helping you relax!”
Whoa. What?
She went on to explain that yawning actually helps your body shift into Rest and Digest mode — the calming, healing side of your nervous system. As soon as I got home, I started researching, and I couldn’t wait to share what I found with all of you.
So, what is Rest and Digest Mode?
In wellness, we talk a lot about the nervous system — specifically the two branches that regulate how we function day-to-day:
- Sympathetic Nervous System = Fight or Flight (go-go-go, stress response)
- Parasympathetic Nervous System = Rest and Digest (calm, heal, restore)
In our modern world, most of us are stuck in sympathetic mode more than we’d like to be. But here’s the good news: even small, natural actions — like yawning — can help activate the parasympathetic response.
How Yawning Supports a Calm Nervous System
🧠 1. It Stimulates the Vagus Nerve
Yawning stretches the jaw, throat, and upper neck muscles — areas connected to the vagus nerve. This key nerve helps calm the heart, slow breathing, and shift your body into healing mode.
💨 2. It Encourages Deep Breathing
A yawn naturally pulls in a deep, full breath. This brings in more oxygen, activates the diaphragm, and helps quiet the mind and body.
🧊 3. It Regulates Brain Temperature
Believe it or not, some research suggests yawning helps cool the brain slightly, improving clarity and calmness.
🔄 4. It Interrupts the Stress Cycle
Just like a big stretch or a sigh, a yawn creates a mini reset. It can break up tension patterns and invite in ease.
Try It for Yourself
The next time you feel tense, anxious, or overstimulated:
- Gently fake a few yawns (yes, even pretend yawns can have real effects!)
- Pair them with slow, relaxed exhales
- Give yourself a moment to notice any shift — even a subtle one
💡 Small actions like this can help re-train your body to return to a place of safety and restoration.
Want More Simple Tools Like This?
I love sharing the science behind everyday wellness. If you’re curious about supporting your nervous system, digestion, or blood sugar naturally — you’re in the right place.
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💬 Have questions? Reach out anytime!
📲 And don’t forget to check out this week’s Instagram Reel to see how yawning can become part of your daily healing ritual.
In health and healing,
Cindy Spohn, NTP
Spohn Holistic Wellness
