Yawns get a bad rap for being rude, but yawns are one of the best-kept secrets for flexing your mental muscles . Brain scans reveal that yawning activates areas responsible for social awareness and feelings of empathy - which may explain why yawns are so contagious.
Yawns also may strengthen the precuneus- a part of the brain that plays a central role in memory retrieval and self-reflection.
When you yawn - the quick hit of oxygen wards off sleepiness and helps you stay focused by regulating metabolism and cooling the brain.
S0 - yawn as often as possible - in the morning, at work, before a big test. It will give your brain an instant pick-me-up. Fake it a few times and you won't be able to stop.
(Self magazine- July 2010)
Friday, July 23, 2010
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