Relieve stress and tension – stretch your neck and face
9th February, 2011 - Posted by Sarah - No Comments
Many of us feel tension building up in our neck, shoulders and face from time to time, particularly during a long day at work. Even worse, we often become so used to the tension that it starts to feel normal and we barely notice it any more.
Over time this adds to a general sense of tiredness and aching, and in some people can contribute to other problems such as headaches.
Try this very simple stretching routine to help release tension, energise your body and give yourself a giggle.
1. Shoulder Shrugs
Raise your shoulders up towards your ears until you feel some tension in your neck. Hold for a count of 5 and relax your shoulders back into a normal position.
2. Neck Stretch
Turn your chin towards your left shoulder until you feel a stretch on the right side of your neck. Hold for between 5 and 10 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.
3. Face stretch
This is the fun part! It does make you look a bit weird so you may want to find somewhere private to do it. Personally it just makes me laugh 
Raise your eyebrows and open your eyes as wide as possible. Open your mouth and stick out your tongue. Hold for 5 – 10 seconds, then stop and smile.
Repeat as often as you like and enjoy feeling nice and relaxed! These stretches should not be painful. If they are, please stop immediately. Clicking and popping noises in your neck are not a cause for concern, but if you notice clicking and popping when you open and close your mouth please get it checked with your dentist.
For specific advice, speak to your osteopath.
Stretches taken from Stretching by Bob Anderson – a very informative read for clinicians and the public alike.
