This week I was delighted to learn a new term from one of the young people I work with as they turned and told me they had changed their “trigger into a glimmer” after working with me. I asked what a glimmer was and they told me it’s the choice of making that tiny moment turn into a spark of joy or peace that calms down our nervous system. Coined by Deb Dana in her book The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy experts say this mindset shift can make a positive impact on our mental health. Imagine if we could attached this to a an anchor and cement in this process to take our body along on the journey and the impact we could have over time!
As we educate people about the yawn and they experience the positive benefits of the mindshift behind each one, the old paradigm of boredom or tiredness of yawning actually holds within it the potential to unlock a global phenomenan of physical and mental well-being glimmers. Imagine your daily glimmer—the moments of brightness and inspiration—morphing into something even more potent: your daily yawn, a gateway to deeper relaxation, enhanced focus, and emotional balance. Sounds funny doesn’t it. Good! If it’s making you smile or laugh in amusement at the ridiculousness of it, it’s already working. It’s changed your state just by thinking about it.
The Science of Yawning: More than Meets the Eye
Yawning is a fascinating physiological phenomenon that extends far beyond its surface appearance. Contrary to popular belief, yawning isn’t solely linked to tiredness or boredom. Research suggests that yawning serves a multitude of purposes, from regulating brain temperature to promoting social bonding. When you yawn, you’re not only stretching your jaw muscles but also increasing blood flow to the brain, which can enhance alertness and cognitive function.
Furthermore, yawning plays a crucial role in regulating the levels of important neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters are closely associated with mood regulation, stress reduction, and social connection. Therefore, by embracing the power of yawning, you’re not just indulging in a reflexive action; you’re actively engaging in a process that can positively impact your mental and emotional well-being.
Transforming Glimmers into Yawns: A Mindful Approach
So, how can you harness the power of yawning in your daily life? It all begins with mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and aware in the current moment. Instead of viewing yawning as a passive bodily function, approach it with intentionality and awareness.
When you feel that morning yawn coming on start by paying attention to it and make it a moment of brightness and inspiration in your day. Turn it into a glimmer that uplift your spirit and ignite your creativity. Perhaps you could think of it as expanding into a beautiful sunrise, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or a moment of solitude in nature. Whatever form it takes, cherish these glimmers as opportunities to invite the transformative power of yawning into your life.
When you feel a glimmer of positivity or inspiration throughout the day, take a moment to pause and tune into your body. Notice any subtle sensations or tensions lingering within you. Then, with a gentle breath, allow yourself to yawn naturally and effortlessly. As you exhale, imagine releasing any stress, tension, or negative emotions stored within you. With each yawn, you create space for greater relaxation, clarity, and emotional equilibrium.
The Ripple Effect of Yawning: Spreading Wellness One Yawn at a Time
The beauty of embracing yawning as a daily practice extends beyond individual well-being—it has the power to create a ripple effect of wellness in your community and beyond. Just as yawning is contagious among humans, so too is its potential to promote positive energy and emotional resonance. Turning the yawn into a celebration of “well dones” and “impressive” and “thats awesome” feels so much better than stifling down embarrassment, frustration, fear, guilt and whatever other emotiona we have been used to stifling year after year after year.
Imagine sharing a yawn with a loved one, a colleague, or even a stranger. In that simple act of synchronizing breath and movement, you foster a sense of connection and empathy. You communicate to others that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and release the pressures of daily life. In doing so, you contribute to a culture of wellness and compassion—one yawn at a time.
Embrace the Yawn: Your Pathway to Daily Well-Being
In a world filled with endless distractions and demands, the humble yawn offers a sanctuary of stillness and serenity. By embracing yawning as a daily practice, you transform your glimmers of brightness into moments of profound relaxation, clarity, and emotional balance. So, the next time you feel a glimmer of positivity or inspiration, don’t hesitate to let it blossom into a yawn. For within that simple act lies the key to unlocking your daily well-being.
Rachel Earing
Founder