There are a lot of theories out there about why people yawn when they do yoga.
Some say it’s because the poses are so relaxing, while others believe that it has something to do with the breath work involved in yoga.
But what is the real reason why people yawn when they do yoga? To find out, we asked some experts in the field.
The Science Behind Why People Yawn During Yoga
Yawning is a reflex of the autonomic nervous system. It’s triggered by a number of things, including fatigue, boredom, or stress. When we see somebody else yawn, our brain “mirrors” their actions and we yawn too.
But why do we yawn when we do yoga? There are a few theories.
One theory is that yawning is a way for the body to release tension. When we stretch our muscles and open our bodies in yoga poses, we may be releasing built-up tension andtriggering a yawn.
Another theory suggests that yawning is a way to cool down the brain. When we breathe deeply and slowly in yoga, we are increasing the blood flow to our brain. This increased blood flow can make the brain warmer, so yawning may be a way to regulate its temperature.
How to Overcome the Urge to Yawn when Doing Yoga?
If you find yourself yawning a lot during yoga, there are a few things you can do to try and overcome the urge:
Method 1: Practice in a cooler environment:
Overheating during yoga class is the worst. You’re trying to focus on your breath and your Warrior III pose, and all of a sudden, the urge to yawn comes over you like a wave.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry, you can overcome the urge to yawn when doing yoga.
One way to do this is to practice in a cooler room or outdoors. The fresh air will help you stay alert and focused, and the cooler temperature will help prevent overheating.
With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to stay yawn-free during even the hottest yoga class.
Method 2: Change up your routine:
If you find yourself bored with your yoga practice, it’s time to mix things up.
Try adding some new poses or attending a different type of class. You may also want to overcome the urge to yawn by adding some excitement to your routine.
Perhaps you can try a new yoga studio or class format. Whatever you do, make sure you’re still getting the benefits of yoga, such as increased flexibility and peace of mind.
With a little effort, you can overcome the boredom and find renewed enthusiasm for your practice.
Method 3: Drink lots of water
When your yoga teacher tells you to “drink lots of water,” they’re not just being nice- they’re trying to help you overcome the urge to yawn during class.
Staying hydrated helps to regulate your body temperature, which in turn can help you avoid that pesky urge to yawn.
So next time you’re in class, make sure to drink plenty of water- and try not to let your yoga teacher see you yawning!
Method 4:Try an energizing yoga practice
If you’re finding it difficult to stay awake during yoga, it may be time to try an energizing practice.
Energizing yoga practices are designed to wake up the body and mind. They often include active poses that get the blood flowing and breathing exercises that help improve alertness.
If you’re feeling tired, an energizing yoga practice may be just what you need to get over the urge to yawn.
Yawning during yoga may be annoying, but it’s nothing to worry about. By using one of these methods, you can overcome the urge and get back to enjoying your practice.
Conclusion
It turns out that yawning during yoga is perfectly normal and can actually be beneficial for you. So next time you find yourself yawning in downward dog, don’t worry- just try the methods we talked about above and enjoy the stretch.
