Stop a Yawn

Scientists are not entirely sure why we yawn, although it does tend to happen when we're tired or stressed. There are ways to suppress a yawn in the moment, such as breathing deeply, but you can also work on altering your lifestyle to yawn less longterm.

Steps

Stopping a Yawn in the Moment

  1. Breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Some scientists theorize people yawn because of a lack of oxygen. Therefore, taking a few deep breaths when you feel a yawn coming on can help stop it before it starts.
    • You should breathe through your nose and out through your mouth. This allows the most oxygen to enter and channels the air into your diaphragm.[1]
    • Make sure, when you breath, you pull air into your lower abdomen and stomach rather than your chest.[1]
  2. Drink a cool beverage. Cooling the body can help suppress a yawn. If you feel a yawn coming on, try having a cold drink.
    • Try ice water, iced tea or coffee, or cool juice. Soda and carbonated beverages might stop a yawn but they can cause gas and other discomfort.[1]
    • If you're going into a meeting, class, or other activity where yawning would be rude consider bringing a drink with you if it's permitted. Having a bottle of cold water on hand can help you stop a yawn in case one comes on.[2]
  3. Eat chilled foods. Colder foods can prevent yawning much in the same way cold drinks can. Try to eat cold foods, like refrigerated fruits, veggies, cheeses, or yogurts. Sugary foods, like ice cream, could actually have the reverse effect as sugar tends to make the body tired. This can cause excess yawning. Stick to healthy choices when it comes to choosing cold foods.[2]
  4. Use a cold compress. If water and food don't do the trick, try a cool compress. Run cool water over a wash cloth or towel and place it against your head. See if you yawn less afterwards.[1]

Changing Your Lifestyle

  1. Practice diaphragm breathing. Diaphragm breathing is a breathing ritual in which you practice breathing in a way that increases overall oxygen flow in your body. Doing diaphragm breathing exercises on a daily basis can help lessen excessive yawning.
    • Get into a comfortable position. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your lower stomach.[3]
    • Breathe in through your nose. Breathe in such a way that the hand on your stomach rises while the hand on your chest remains stationary. Hold for four counts and then exhale through your mouth.
    • Repeat five to ten times. Try and engage in diaphragm breathing at least once a day.[3]
  2. Keep a set schedule. Your body runs on a 24 hour cycle known as the circadian rhythm. If you keep a somewhat set schedule, your body will be able to regulate itself so you feel energized when necessary and sleepy during bedtime.
    • Try to get up and fall asleep at roughly the same time each day, including weekends. Your body will adapt to this sleep/wake cycle and you'll feel more energized in the mornings. Also, aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep a night.
    • Stick to a daily schedule. Take breaks around the same time each day. If you work out, do so around a certain time. Your body will adapt to the schedule you set and begin regulating your energy levels to suit your needs.[4]
  3. Walk throughout the day. Being too sedentary can increase feelings of fatigue. Try to take short breaks throughout the work day to walk around. Even if you're just getting up from your desk and running to the water cooler, this can help keep you alert. If possible, walk outside. Getting fresh air can sometimes be especially invigorating.[4]
  4. Adopt a healthier lifestyle. Being healthier overall can reduce feelings of fatigue. If you're feeling excessively tired, try eating better and exercising.
    • Exercise. Studies show just 20 minutes of physical activity a few times a week can eventually pay off. In about six weeks, you'll begin to feel less fatigued.[4]
    • Eat healthier. Processed carbs and sugar can cause a dramatic dip in energy levels, leaving you suddenly exhausted. Work on eating more fresh fruits and veggies as well as whole wheats and grains.[4]

Warnings

  • While yawning is not usually a medical concern, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious medical condition. If your yawning is accompanied by chronic fatigue, muscle spasms, blurred vision, or chest pains see a medical professional for an evaluation.[4]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.livescience.com/36110-yawn-contagious.html
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.md-health.com/Yawning-All-the-Time.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.normalbreathing.com/s/excessive-yawning.php
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 http://www.healthhype.com/how-to-stop-yawning-and-prevent-daytime-yawns.html
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