The Science & Benefits of Yawning- A nervous system reset tool you already know how to do.
May 08, 2025
If you aren't a fan of the yawn right now...trust me, you will be once you read all of these golden nuggets below. Yawning might be your new favorite reset tool!
Why Yawning Matters
Yawning isn’t just about being tired. It’s a built-in regulation tool your body uses to:
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Calm your nervous system
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Reset mental focus
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Relieve muscle tension
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Oxygenate your brain
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Signal safety and connection
What Happens Chemically When You Yawn:
| Chemical Released | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dopamine | Boosts motivation and mood | Resets emotional flatness or low energy |
| Oxytocin | Increases bonding and trust | Supports co-regulation and connection |
| Endorphins | Natural pain relief | Helps soothe discomfort and elevate mood |
| Nitric Oxide (NO) | Improves blood flow | Oxygenates the brain and enhances clarity |
| Acetylcholine | Supports attention and alertness | Reboots focus and readiness |
Physical & Somatic Benefits
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Relaxes the jaw, neck, and face
Helps release held tension in areas that often store stress or trauma -
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
Supports calming, digestion, healing, and integration -
Enhances interoception (body awareness)
Helps you notice what your body is trying to tell you, especially after trauma -
Stimulates fascial release
Softens connective tissue and encourages full-body ease
Emotional & Cognitive Benefits
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Increases presence and clarity
Great for grounding after overwhelm, meetings, or emotional conversations -
Signals emotional release
Yawning in sessions or groups can indicate that trauma is processing safely -
Builds social trust
Contagious yawning helps mirror and sync up nervous systems in a group or family system
Try This: Intentional Yawning Reset
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Open your mouth wide, even if a yawn doesn’t come naturally
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Let your breath deepen and your jaw soften
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Invite sound or gentle movement if your body wants to stretch or shift
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Let yourself feel the reset as your body releases tension
Repeat 3–5 times for a full reset. Teach it to others—it’s contagious for a reason.
Use This Practice When:
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You’re overstimulated, overwhelmed, or “spaced out”
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You’ve just received a lot of information or feedback
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You feel tension in your jaw, neck, or eyes
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You want to regulate before leading, coaching, or speaking
Want more tools like this?
Download The High Level Life App for somatic resets, breathwork, and meditations designed to regulate your nervous system and help you thrive.
Website: www.thehighlevellife.com
Book a Free Call: https://calendly.com/jenguidry/intro-zoom-or-phone-call-with-jen-guidry