How to Suppress a Yawn
There are situations when yawning is inappropriate and you may need to suppress it. These include interviews, weddings and funerals. Yawning, according to some people, is a sign of boredom. Follow these steps to learn how to suppress a yawn so you don't send the wrong message at the wrong time.
Instructions
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Hold your mouth tightly closed and clench your jaws. When you feel the yawn coming on, maintain the pressure in the back of your jaws. Swallow the yawn when it tries to release.
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Take a big gulp of water when you feel the urge to yawn. This will cause the feeling to subside. Drinking plenty of fluids will also make you feel less tired, as dehydration is the number one cause of fatigue which can cause you to yawn.
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Inhale deeply and hold your breath for as long as you can. Breathe out, making sure to expel all of the air from your lungs. Yawning is caused by a build-up of carbon dioxide in your lungs.
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Push firmly on your throat directly above your Adam's apple. Push upwards to expel the air in your throat and suppress your yawn. Do this discreetly so the person you want to hide the yawn from doesn't see you trying to do this.
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Cover your mouth with your hand if you can't suppress the yawn to try to hide it or minimize it. Sometimes this act will help to suppress a full-blown yawn.
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Tips & Warnings
Getting plenty of sleep and fresh air can prevent excessive yawning.
Sometimes the yawn can't be stopped and it is best to let it out. At the very least, show some manners and prevent the spread of germs.
Look away if you see someone else yawning so you don't begin to yawn yourself.
Excessive yawning for no apparent reason can be a symptom of asthma or other lung conditions. See your doctor if excessive yawning doesn't go away.
