I do find deep breathing beneficial. If I do a deep breath in, starting from belly and into my diaphragm, and then when normally I would start breathing out at the end of this, I like to take an extra breath in, forcing the last bit of air into my lungs. When I do this type of breathing I find I start yawning and it is a very deep yawn, almost to the point of sometimes thinking I won't be able to finish the yawn as the breath in through my mouth is so great. Why is this happening?
Yawning during deep breathing, especially with the technique you're using, is a normal response and can occur for a few reasons:
1. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Regulation
- When you take a deep breath, especially with the extra inhale at the end, you are increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood and reducing carbon dioxide levels. Yawning is a natural response that the body uses to regulate these gases, ensuring that the brain receives sufficient oxygen. It’s your body’s way of balancing these levels.
2. Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Deep breathing, particularly when it involves the diaphragm and belly, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system). This activation promotes relaxation and can trigger yawning as your body transitions to a calmer state.
- Yawning in this context may signal that your body is relaxing deeply, which is a positive response indicating that the breathing technique is effectively calming your nervous system.
3. Stretch Reflex in the Diaphragm and Respiratory Muscles
- When you force that last bit of air into your lungs, you’re stretching the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles further than usual. This deep stretch can trigger yawning as a reflex, helping your body maximize lung capacity and fully engage those muscles.
- Yawning in this way allows the lungs to expand more fully, ensuring the respiratory muscles are engaged and helping to relieve tension.
4. Resetting Breathing Patterns
- Yawning can also serve as a reset for your breathing rhythm. The deep breath and the yawn allow your body to recalibrate your respiratory system, especially if it’s used to shallower breathing patterns. The yawning might be an indication that your body is adjusting and transitioning to a deeper, more optimal breathing pattern.
5. Neurological and Emotional Release
- Yawning is sometimes associated with the release of built-up emotional or physical tension. The deep yawns you experience may be your body’s way of letting go of stress or tightness that you’re carrying. This is especially likely when engaging in intentional, deep breathing exercises that target the diaphragm, which is closely linked to the nervous system and emotional regulation.
The yawning response you’re experiencing is generally a sign that the breathing technique is having a relaxing, balancing effect on your body. It’s your body’s natural way of expanding lung capacity, recalibrating your breathing, and releasing tension.