Newberg and Waldman describe yawning as “one of the best-kept secrets in neuroscience” for both relaxation and heightened cognitive awareness. It helps you stay focused, more introspective, and self-aware.
- Studies have shown that students who practiced deliberate yawning for four minutes before taking tests raised their grade point averages! C’s moved up to B’s, and B’s to A’s.
- These studies also indicate that yawning significantly reduces the anxiety experienced by those who suffer from anxiety disorders.
- Yawning regulates the temperature of the brain via a cooling process.
- Yawning stimulates alertness, increases memory recall, lowers stress, and relaxes the body, increasing empathy and social awareness.
- Many positive effects come from neurotransmitters involved with yawning, such as acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin, which are brake pedals.
- Conscious yawning can stimulate natural yawning.
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