Unbeknownst to us, we carry a lot of headache inducing tension in our skulls.

When we feel under stress, we clench our jaw, yet we don’t tend to notice. Even though we might do so numerous times in a day; because it is a subconscious reaction to things we feel angst or uncertain about.

It is an involuntary reaction, like flexing a muscle in every day bodily movement. Many of us regularly do it – when we are for example: – running late, caught-up in traffic, waiting, etc. We have no idea we are fixing our facial muscles, until we get a headache!

I do this lots, perhaps more, due to having cerebral palsy, since I have weakened control of my physical body.

But, an easy relief, and a measure to prevent us tightening our faces is to gawp.

All you need to do is press the tip of your tongue into the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, and then rest your tongue back down in its usual place. Now, with your lips closed, further drop your jaw a little and notice the air entering and leaving your nostrils. Next open your lips slightly to form a little gawp, paying attention to the air around your face. Hold this expression to the slow count of ten, without the need to monitor your breathing.

Do this throughout the day, it will bring your conscious awareness to the jaw- clenching habit. Equally it will help prevent facial tension that can cause a headache.

You may notice that your shoulders with slacken, another place in our bodies that we tighten – without realising.

This exercise can be done anyway, and it is also a helpful tool to aid your sleeping. Try repeating this easy technique in sets of three for maximum effect.

More importantly try to get into the habit of practicing this. I think you will be surprised just how much you clench your jaw during the day! Best still it works quickly in helping you to notice and manage the daily stress that we all deal with.

 

I hope you find this helpful.

 

With SUNNY wishes, Emma x