5 Scenes that you are Overusing Neck and Shoulder

Today, I'll discuss five situations in your daily life where you may unknowingly strain your neck muscles. Overworking the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles can have negative effects on other facial muscles, such as the Dao Depressor Anguli Oris, leading to sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowls. It's crucial to relax your neck and shoulders regularly to prevent these issues. Let's explore these five scenarios where excessive neck muscle usage occurs, resulting in more neck lines and overall sagging.

1. In the first scenario, it is possible that you are exerting excessive force on your neck muscles while swallowing. I have previously covered this topic in a video, so I encourage you to watch it for more details. To summarize, when swallowing water, food, or saliva, it is important to do so with minimal visible movement. Avoid swallowing forcefully or with exaggerated neck movements.

2. In the second scenario, neck breathing can cause fatigue and tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. Our breathing occurs frequently, approximately 20,000 times a day. When you consistently rely on neck breathing, it can lead to muscle fatigue and the build up of lactic acid, resulting in muscle knots, neck pain, and shoulder pain. To alleviate these issues, it's essential to prioritize relaxed AB breathing instead of engaging the neck muscles. By focusing on deep abdominal breaths, you can promote relaxation and reduce strain on the neck and shoulders.

3. In the third scenario, during speaking, talking, or singing, it is crucial to pay attention to pronunciation, particularly when it comes to the sound "E." Pronouncing it incorrectly can lead to the formation of unwanted wrinkles. In my Koko face method, we focus on the proper pronunciation of vowel sounds, including "E." In Japanese, it is represented by the character "E," and in English, it corresponds to the vowel "I." To learn more about proper pronunciation techniques, I invite you to watch my video on this topic. Remember, it is important to pronounce "E" correctly to avoid unnecessary wrinkles.

4. In the fourth scenario, let's discuss yawning. Yawning is a natural response that indicates fatigue and the need for relaxation. When you yawn, your body is signaling that it's time to unwind. However, it's common for people to tense up their shoulders and neck during a yawn, which is not ideal. To achieve proper relaxation, make sure your neck and shoulders are relaxed when you yawn. In addition, pay attention to your tongue placement. As you yawn, the back of your tongue should press down gently, creating a downward movement. This alignment helps ensure that your neck remains relaxed and not tense. For more detailed instructions, I encourage you to watch my video on yawning. Remember, proper relaxation is essential when yawning to support a relaxed body and mind.

5. Number five is a crucial point as it addresses the long periods of focus and tension in the neck and shoulders that often occur during computer work or other activities. The neck and shoulder muscles can become tense, leading to a cascade of effects. To alleviate this tension, it's essential to be mindful of relaxing both the neck and shoulder areas, including the back of the neck. This awareness is vital not only during computer work but also while watching intense or thrilling content on TV, which can inadvertently cause tension. Remember, excessive tension in the neck and shoulders can contribute to sagging skin. Stay conscious of relaxation techniques to counteract this effect.

Summary:

These five scenarios highlight common situations where we tend to exert unnecessary strain on our neck muscles. By being aware of our actions and making simple adjustments, we can promote relaxation and prevent discomfort. When swallowing, aim for a smooth and subtle motion, avoiding excessive force. Focus on abdominal breathing instead of relying on neck breathing to reduce fatigue and tension. Pay attention to proper pronunciation, particularly for the sound "E," to prevent the formation of wrinkles. During yawning, relax the neck and shoulders while gently pressing the back of the tongue downward. Lastly, be mindful of relaxing the neck and shoulder areas during prolonged periods of focus, such as computer work or intense TV viewing. By maintaining a relaxed posture, we can minimize tension and potential skin sagging. Remember, small changes in our daily routines can have a significant impact on our neck and shoulder health.