Face Yoga for the Neck: A Gentle 5-Minute Routine

We spend a lot of time caring for our faces and very little on the neck. Yet the neck is exposed to sun every day, and hours spent looking down at phones and laptops put it in a bent position for long stretches. A short face yoga routine is a relaxing way to give this area some attention.

Before you start

• Sit or stand tall with your shoulders relaxed and down.
• Move slowly. Nothing should hurt. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness or strain.
• Breathe normally throughout.
• If you have a neck injury or a spine condition, check with your doctor before trying neck exercises.

The 5-minute routine

1. Chin lift (1 minute)

Tilt your head back gently and look at the ceiling. Close your lips and push your lower jaw slightly forward until you feel a light stretch under the chin and along the front of the neck. Hold for 5 seconds, return to centre and repeat 5 times.

2. Kiss the ceiling (1 minute)

With your head tilted back, pucker your lips as if to kiss the ceiling. Hold for 5 seconds, relax and repeat 5 times.

3. Side neck stretch (1 minute)

Bring your right ear gently towards your right shoulder without lifting the shoulder. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the left. Do 2 rounds on each side.

4. Tongue press (1 minute)

Look straight ahead. Press your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth and hold for 5 seconds. You should feel the muscles under your chin working. Relax and repeat 8 times.

5. Upward neck massage (1 minute)

Apply a little moisturiser or face oil to your neck. With flat palms, stroke gently upward from the collarbone to the jaw, one hand after the other. Keep the pressure light.

If you like using a tool, the Kansa Wand can be used with oil in slow upward strokes. Keep it light over the front of the throat.

Posture habits that help

• Lift your phone closer to eye level instead of bending your head down.
• Raise your laptop screen on a stand or a pile of books.
• Take short breaks every hour to roll your shoulders and look up.
• Use a pillow that keeps your neck comfortable while you sleep.

Do not forget daily care

• Sunscreen on your neck every morning, not just your face.
• Moisturiser on your neck morning and night.
• Gentle cleansing. Sweat and sunscreen collect in the folds of the neck.

How often?

Once a day, for example while your moisturiser sinks in at night. Many people like to pair it with their evening routine so it becomes a habit.

Keep expectations realistic

Face yoga is a relaxing habit and a good reminder to care for your neck and posture. Results vary from person to person, and no exercise stops natural ageing.

Get a routine made for you

Every Theraglam Glow Scan report includes exercises with pictures and face massage moves with step-by-step diagrams, along with a Glow Score, a skin routine, a diet and water plan and a daily to-do list.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.