The Joy of Yawning

According to the authors of the book, How God Changes Your Brian, yawning is one of the best-kept secrets in neuroscience. Both Dr. Andrew Newberg and therapist, Mark Robert Waldman believe that yawning should be integrated into all exercise and stress reduction programs.

Brain-scan studies have shown that yawning activates the precuneus, a tiny structure in the folds of the parietal lobe. The precuneus plays a central role in consciousness, self-reflection, and memory retrieval. This is one of the hardest hit areas by Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases. Yawning also helps regulate the temperature and metabolism of your brain.

Evidence has shown that yawning helps individuals on military assignment perform their tasks with greater accuracy and ease. And, Olympic athletes yawn before performing.

So, if you want to maintain a healthy brain, yawn...

• When you wake up.
• When you are confronting a difficult problem at work.
• When you prepare to go to sleep.
• Whenever you feel anger, anxiety, or stress.
• Before giving an important talk.
• Before you take a test.
• While you meditate or pray.
  

The authors suggest that you may have to fake six or seven yawns before a real one will emerge.