<p>Yawning is not due to lack of oxygen in the brain as previously thought, but due to a temperature regulation activity, according to a 2014 study. This helps explain why we yawn less in the winters. </p>
<p>We yawn when we are tired or bored, as the brain slows down, causing the temperature to drop. We also yawn when the body wants to wake itself up, stretching out the lungs and tissues and pumping blood towards our face and brain.</p>


Why We Yawn

<p>Yawning is contagious, and we catch the yawn even while reading(Yawn!) or watching a video of people yawning. A study conducted has shown a link between catching someone’s yawn and empathy, with the more empathetic people yawning more frequently after seeing someone else yawn.</p>


Catching A Yawn

<p>Deep breathing exercises can help us regulate our yawning. It also helps to exercise regularly, avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcohol, and having a sleeping schedule. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and cool, along with fruits and veggies.</p>


Stop The Yawn

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<p>Even thinking about yawning can cause you to do it. It's something everybody does, including animals, and you shouldn't try to stifle it because when you yawn, it's because your body needs it. It's one of the most contagious, uncontrollable actions a body does. </p>
<p>There are many theories as to why people yawn. One popular theory is that yawning helps your body bring in more oxygen. But this theory has been mostly debunked.</p>
<p>Keep reading to see what current research suggests yawning says about you, your brain temperature, and your potential for empathy.</p>
<figure><img src="https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Female_Yawning_1296x728-header.jpg?h=1528"> </figure> <p>The most scientifically backed theory about why we yawn is brain temperature regulation. A published in the journal Physiology &amp; Behavior looked at the yawning habits of 120 people and found that yawning occurred less during the winter. If the brain's temperature gets too far outside of the norm, inhaling air can help cool it down. </p>
<p>Another reason you may yawn is because the body wants to wake itself up. The motion helps stretch the lungs and their tissues, and it allows the body to flex its muscles and joints. It may also force blood toward your face and brain to increase alertness.</p>
<p>Yawning is definitely contagious. Even videos of people doing it can trigger a yawning session. Try watching the video below and see if you end up yawning. We'll tell you what it might mean after. </p>
<p>If you did catch a yawn, then according to a <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886915003645">study</a> from Baylor University, it's a good thing: You're showing empathy and bonding. </p>
<p>The study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, looked at 135 college students, their personalities, and how they reacted to different facial movements.</p>
<p>The results showed that the less empathy a person had, the less likely they would yawn after seeing someone else yawn. </p>
<p>It's important to note that these results can't be generalized. Not catching a yawn isn't evidence for psychopathic or sociopathic tendencies. </p>
<h3>1. Try deep breathing </h3>
<p>If you feel yourself yawning excessively, try deep breathing exercises through your nose. Your body may need more oxygen. A <a href="http://www.albany.edu/news/pdf_files/Yawning_Report_Gallup_May_2007.pdf">2007 study</a> also found that nasal breathing decreased contagious yawning completely in their research.</p>
<h3>2. Get moving </h3>
<p>Breaking up a routine can also help stimulate your brain. Feelings of tiredness, boredom, and stress tend to make people yawn more. Excessive yawning may also stem from taking in too much caffeine or going through an opiate detox.</p>
<h3>3. Cool yourself down</h3>
<p>You can also try taking a walk outside or finding a space with a cooler temperature. If you don't have time to do this, drink some cool water or eat a chilled snack, such as fruit or baby carrots. </p>
<p>You should see a doctor if you feel like you're <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/yawning-excessive">yawning more than usual</a> and experiencing additional symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day activities.</p>
<p>Tell your doctor when the yawning started and about other symptoms, such as mind fog, pain in certain areas, or even lack of sleep. This information can help your doctor diagnose the underlying condition and make treatment recommendations based on individual needs.</p>
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Even thinking about yawning can cause you to do it. It's something everybody does, including animals, and you shouldn't try to stifle it because when you yawn, it's because your body needs it. It's one of the most contagious, uncontrollable actions a body does. There are many theories as to why people yawn.

Why Do We Yawn and Is It Contagious?

Why We Yawn

Catching A Yawn

Stop The Yawn

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