In Brain Gym®️, we often remind ourselves that movement is a doorway to better learning, better focus, and greater ease in the body.
One simple movement we all naturally do—but often overlook—is yawning.
Most people think yawning only means “I’m tired” or “I’m bored.” But the body is much wiser than that. A yawn can actually be a natural reset for the brain and nervous system.
Why Do We Yawn?
Science does not yet have one single definite answer for why we yawn, but researchers suggest that yawning may help with alertness, state regulation, facial muscle stretching, and even temperature regulation in the brain.
A yawn is not laziness—it may simply be the body asking for support.
Benefits of Yawning
- Releases Stress and Tension
Many of us hold stress in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders without even realizing it.
Yawning creates a gentle stretch in these muscles, helping the body soften and relax.
- Supports Focus and Attention
When the brain feels overloaded, concentration becomes harder.
Researchers suggest yawning may help promote alertness and readiness to engage.
- Helps Relax the Nervous System
That “ahhhh” feeling after a yawn is familiar to many of us.
While research is still evolving, yawning is commonly associated with shifts in arousal and body regulation.
- Supports Communication
When the jaw is tight, speaking can sometimes feel effortful.
Releasing facial and jaw tension may create more comfort for speaking, expression, and oral movement.
- Helps with Ear Pressure Balance
Have you noticed yawning on an aeroplane?
Yawning helps open the Eustachian tubes in the ears, which can help equalize pressure.
Energy Yawn in Brain Gym®️
This is exactly why Energy Yawn is one of the 26 Brain Gym movements.
The name itself tells us so much.
Energy Yawn is designed to help release tension in the jaw area—especially around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where many people unconsciously hold stress.
In Brain Gym practice, this movement is often used to support:
✔ Better focus
✔ Easier reading
✔ Clearer communication
✔ Relaxed jaw and facial muscles
✔ Reduced stress
✔ Improved readiness for learning
Children who clench their jaw while concentrating, adults under stress, or anyone feeling mentally fatigued may find this movement especially supportive.
A Brain Gym Perspective
In Brain Gym, we understand that learning is not just about the brain—it is about the whole body working together.
Sometimes, transformation does not come from doing something big.
Sometimes it begins with something as natural as a yawn.
A yawn may be your body’s gentle invitation to release tension, restore energy, and come back into balance.
Simple movement. Big impact. That’s Brain Gym.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Yawning: Why We Yawn and What It May Mean.
- Sleep Foundation. Why Do We Yawn?
Note for Brain Gym readers: The Brain Gym®️ section reflects Brain Gym educational practice and experiential use of the Energy Yawn activity, alongside general scientific understanding of yawning.
Minaz Ajani has an M.Ed (Sp.Ed) LD, and is an accomplished Educator and International Faculty member of Breakthroughs International, Home of the Brain Gym® program. She is a licensedBrain Gym® ,Touch for Health®, RMTi and Movement-Based Learning instructor.