Why do we yawn during yoga?

The body is shifting gears, entering a state of calm and balance that few activities can achieve.

I’ll confess, the first time I yawned during a yoga class, it caught me off guard. Isn’t yawning supposed to mean boredom or tiredness? But over time, I realized it’s a sign that the body is shifting gears, entering a state of calm and balance that few activities can achieve.

When we practice yoga, our breathing slows down, our metabolism adjusts, and even our body temperature drops slightly. It’s as if the body is easing into a slower rhythm, telling us that everything is okay.

When we practice yoga our metabolism adjusts into a slower rhythm

On the other hand, when we engage in traditional physical exercise, the opposite happens: we breathe faster, the metabolism speeds up, and the body heats up. That’s one of the main differences between yoga and other physical activities: while conventional exercise promotes catabolism, the breakdown of tissues to obtain energy; yoga does not cause muscle catabolism if practiced in a balanced way.

Yoga on its own won’t lead to catabolism, unless:

• You’re in a severe caloric deficit.

• You’re not consuming enough protein.

• You’re not getting enough rest.

Moreover, yoga poses have a deeper purpose. Each one is designed to affect our glands, internal organs, and even the electrochemical activity of our nervous system. All of this contributes to deep relaxation, which often shows up as a yawn. That small gesture, which seems so simple, is actually your body adjusting, finding balance between the need for oxygen and inner calm.

When you practice yoga your body is finding balance between the need for oxygen and inner calm

So if you yawn during your practice, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you lack energy or interest—it means your body is responding naturally, seeking harmony. I like to see it as a reminder that I’m on the right path, connecting with my breath, my body, and the present moment.

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