Yawning and stretching are often associated with tiredness and even laziness, and someone who yawns might be considered poorly mannered. However, these are actually important mechanisms that support the health and productivity of the entire body, and holding back these reactions is not recommended. Let’s take a closer look at the five main reasons why you should allow yourself to yawn when you really feel like it.
Regular stretching and yawning improve mental clarity.
These simple actions stimulate blood circulation, promoting better oxygen delivery to the brain cells, which, in turn, helps you think more clearly, stay focused, and work efficiently. Additionally, yawning activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery. This helps reduce stress levels and mental fatigue — factors that often hinder clear thinking. So, if during the workday you feel distracted and ideas aren’t flowing, take a deep breath, stretch well, and don’t be shy to yawn genuinely. It’s a quick and natural way to regain mental clarity at any time of the day.
Holding back this physiological process can trigger a panic attack.
Often, people hold back yawns or stretches due to embarrassment, trying to appear proper in public spaces. But deliberately restraining these natural physiological reactions can have serious consequences for the nervous system. Because yawning is not just a sign of fatigue, but an effective mechanism of self-regulation. It helps to calm the nervous system, stabilize breathing, and saturate the brain with oxygen. When you try to restrain artificially this process, the body does not get the necessary release of tension. As a result, it can contribute to the accumulation of anxiety, deterioration of breathing and, as a result, even provoke a panic attack. So, the next time you feel the need to yawn, don’t hold back.
Yawning and stretching as needed helps reduce eye fatigue.
Our eyes are constantly working, processing vast amounts of information — from tiny details to large pictures — and this often causes fatigue. Tired eyes can lead not only to discomfort but also to reduced concentration. Yawning and stretching at this moment are not just habits but natural reactions that help relieve tension. During these processes, the facial muscles relax, and blood circulation around the eyes improves. This helps reduce eye fatigue and significantly enhances focus. Additionally, eye fatigue can lead to dryness, and in such cases, it’s recommended to use eye drops like C-NAC to alleviate the discomfort.
These simple processes help improve mood.
It is scientifically proven that when you yawn or stretch, mechanisms in the body are automatically activated that help combat stress and improve mood. These physiological processes also significantly enhance oxygenation of the brain, which promotes better concentration and boosts energy, giving you a feeling of lightness in your body. All of this contributes to improving your mood and overall emotional state. That’s why, when you’re feeling down, you might feel the urge to stretch and yawn — it’s your body’s natural attempt to support itself and improve your mood.
Yawning normalizes breathing.
When you yawn, your body takes a deep breath, which helps fill the lungs with oxygen and activates the proper breathing rhythm. This is especially beneficial when you feel tense, as yawning allows the body to return to normal, calm breathing, reducing anxiety levels. Additionally, this physiological process also helps asthma patients take in extra air and reduce the feeling of suffocation, which can sometimes occur due to restricted airflow. While it does not replace the primary treatment for asthma, it can serve as a temporary relief for symptoms during an attack or at times when breathing becomes difficult. Therefore, if you are aware of your diagnosis, make sure to always carry all the necessary medications with you, such as Alupent, Alvesco, and Asthalin.