Exercises for face and neck can tone your muscles, prevent stiffness, reduce pain and improve your blood circulation, according to MayoClinic.com. Keeping your muscles and joints flexible will help you operate at an optimum level. Doing these exercises throughout the day will provide the best benefits. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Cheek Toning
Use yoga to help your facial muscles. Reduce the appearance of your laugh lines while also toning your cheek muscles by simulating a trumpet player. Sit upright as you slowly inhale through your mouth. Keep the air in your mouth as you puff up your cheeks so you look like a trumpet player. Hold this position for 30 seconds to one minute, depending upon your lung capacity. Slowly exhale from your nostrils. Let your cheeks deflate. Repeat five times.
Facial Isometrics
Isometrics involve contracting your muscles, according to the University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Strengthen your facial and neck muscles by doing an isometric yoga exercise. Close your eyes and mouth. Inhale through your nose. Tighten all of your facial muscles. Make tight fists. Squeeze your eyes and purse your lips. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Slowly exhale through your mouth as you stick out your tongue. Open your eyes widely. Roll your eyes up as you unclench your fists. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Return your face to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times.
Eye Palming
Relax your eye and facial muscles by doing an yoga exercise known as eye palming. Do this exercise throughout the day whenever you feel stress coming on. It is also good for tension headaches and eye strain. Briskly rub your palms together until warm. Close your eyes. Gently place your warmed palms over your eyes. Breathe deeply. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Remove your palms. Return to your original position. Relax for five minutes.
Head Tilts
Stretch your neck muscles by doing a head tilt while either standing or sitting. If standing, you may want to hold onto the back of a firm chair for support. Move your ear toward your shoulder as you slowly tilt your head to your left side. Do not move your left shoulder. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. Slowly return your head to the upright position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this stretching exercise to your right.
Neck Rotations
Stretch your neck muscles by doing a neck turn or rotation while either sitting or standing. If standing, hold onto the back of a firm chair for balance. In a chair, sit upright. Slowly turn your head to the right side. Do not move your upper body. Feel the stretch in your neck and shoulder. Hold this stretch for 20 seconds. Slowly return your head to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat to your left side.
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