Yes, your face deserves a workout routine, too
We’re all pretty clued up on the benefits of exercising our bodies. But are we forgetting about our faces? From super-charging our senses to toning muscles and battling headaches, these tools and techniques might be the workout you never knew you needed…
Eyes WTF IS EYE YOGA?
Prevention is always better than cure. Enter eye yoga, a series of movements that some claim can strengthen eye muscles (slowing agerelated sight loss) and enhance vision. ‘Blinking with purpose, eye-rolling and looking in a certain direction for a set time are common techniques,’ says Christine Cancar, optician at Feel Good Contacts. However, she stresses that while there’s no hard evidence to suggest eye yoga helps vision, it may alleviate tired peepers. ‘If you’re a screen user, you can also try the 20:20:20 method. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain.’
Jaw A HIIT TO THE FACE
Think you’ve had a fantastic facial before? Think again. Along with the expected do-good cleansers and hydrating serums, FaceGym uses an array of advanced equipment (think: a weighted ball crushed into your forehead – in the best possible way – to relieve tension) and massage techniques to tone muscles, reduce fine lines and alleviate jaw pain. If you can’t make it to one of their six studios for a session (prices from £55), online classes – including Full Face HIIT and Stretch & Reset – are available at facegym.com. They also sell tools for home use (from £25).
Forehead THE END OF HEADACHES?
Throughout the day, tension builds in our jaws, temples and necks – especially during those busy work days when the inbox quadruples in size before we’ve even finished that morning latte – all of which can result in a savage headache. The TheraFace Pro (by Therabody, the same people credited with bringing muscle guns to the masses) is a new device boasting multiple uses, including heat technology options, to prevent headaches and ease up minor facial pain and discomfort. It’s certainly not cheap at £375, but the reviews are rave so far… therabody.com
Nose SMELLS GOOD
Over 3.85 million people in the UK are affected by smell loss. It’s partly why ‘smell training’ kits, which stimulate the olfactory system and nudge your brain into remembering certain aromas, are selling in record numbers. Chrissi Kelly, founder of smell disorder charity AbScent, explains, ‘Smell training is not a quick fix, it needs to be done consistently – say, twice a day for a minimum of four months. It’s about being mindful, sniffing the same scents (eg, lemon, rose, clove and eucalyptus) and concentrating on them, recalling emotions and memories as you go.’ Smell training tools start at £24.99 at abscent.org.
FINDING REPLACEMENTS Giving up running because of my joint pain was hard – it had always been my source of stress relief. But I’ve channelled my energy elsewhere and rediscovered a love of sewing. I’ve practically sewn myself a whole new wardrobe.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY I don’t use social media much – there’s a lot of scaremongering – but I joined a Facebook group for lupus sufferers, which has given me a wealth of knowledge. I’ve also made some close friends who are with me on this journey.
BEING HONEST
Being open with my employer about my needs means we’ve been able to make adjustments that suit me, such as planning my rota with my condition in mind and scheduling extra breaks to ensure I’m getting rest when I need it.