Cool Down Exercises

Warm Up # 3 Swan Neck

Helps to tone and lift the neck, adding to a healthy appearance. o Start with your chin level, looking forward with a neutral gaze. o Turn head to right, aligning with your right shoulder. o Hold this position and gently tilt your head backwards and chin up. Hold for 5-8 counts. o Slowly lower chin to level and return head to forward with a neutral gaze. o Turn head to left, aligning with your left shoulder. Hold this position and gently tilt your head backwards and chin up. Look up for 5-8 counts. o Slowly lower chin to level and return your head forward to a neutral gaze. o Repeat both sides up to 3 times.

It is helpful to feel grounded and peaceful while practicing the exercises. There are a few other yoga postures (asana) that can assist us in preparing for our Face Yoga practice. One of these is Mountain Pose (Tadasana). This pose helps optimize posture and alleviate stress from the neck, jaw, and back muscles. Proper posture elevates stress from your muscles, such as your neck and jaw muscles, and helps maintain the synchronicity in your facial appearance.

As mentioned, a warm-up aims to energize, unstiffen, and flex your muscles. Cool-down seeks to help the skin and muscles relax, which allows the cells in your face to start assimilating the benefits from the exercises you practiced. It also helps to bring facial expressions back to normal, but with greater awareness of how you’re moving your face. Below I recommend meditation or savasana, but if you have a busy day, maybe it is a simple forward fold and breath awareness practice. Always finish your practice intentionally.