While we’re told that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most of us look for some sort of reinforcement when we look at the mirror and having a double chin may rob your confidence. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo painful surgeries or expensive treatments to get rid of it. You can work on it the natural way. You may have not known but there are some simple exercises that you can do at home to combat a double chin. But first, why do some people get a double chin?As time passes, your skin tends to lose collagen, a type of protein found in our body that holds the whole body together. When the skin loses this protein its elasticity tends to decrease causing the skin around the skin and neck to sag which usually starts to happen when you’re in your late 20s.
These five exercises will show you just how easy it is to get rid of a double chin.
1. The Big Smile
In her book, Face Exercises, Elizabeth Gilfillan tells us how a smile can help melt the fat under your chin. She explains, ‘Lie on your back without a pillow with knees bent up and feet resting on the bed. Open your mouth widely and then close it slowly while resisting the closing. Try to have a big, wide smile but don’t clench your teeth. While holding the smile, lift your head slightly and then put it down. Do this lifting 7 times.’
2. Stick Your Tongue Out
This is one of the easiest exercises that most people swear by. Open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out as far as you can, hold it for few seconds and then slowly return it to your mouth. Do this at least 10 times.
3. The Neck Roll
The neck roll is a great exercise that tones and stretches the muscles of your neck and jaw. It is also good for releasing tension from shoulders and relives neck pain. Stand straight with an erect spine. Take a deep breath and turn your head on one side until your chin touches your shoulder. Slowly, roll your head downwards till your chin touches your chest. Repeat the same with the other side. Keep your spine and shoulders straight.
4. Chin Up
Stand or sit keeping your spine straight. Tilt your head slightly back and look towards the ceiling. Pucker your lips tightly as if you are trying to kiss the ceiling. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Repeat at least 10 times.
5. Chin Slap
Face forward and gently slap your lower jaw with the back of your hand. Don’t be too hard. Do this constantly for about 30—40 seconds.
Yoga trainer and founder of Yogisthaan, Ajit Singh Tapasvi explains, “Our ancient knowledge was all based on the energy. When your body’s energy gets trapped in a certain area it leads to fat accumulation. To get rid of it, you need to release the energy. Surya Namaskar not only invokes the energy of the sun within the body but also triggers all the energy points in the body. It is great for fighting a double chin and in fact, it is a full body workout that engages all muscles. It’s best to practice it under the sun before 10 am.”You can also support the above exercises with some natural home remedies, for instance, massaging your lower jaw with wheat germ oil as it is rich in Vitamin E which helps in tightening your skin. Another quick remedy could be applying a mask made with egg whites, honey and lime. This also has a tightening effect on the skin. Give these exercises and remedies a shot and say goodbye to that double chin. No more shying away from being clicked!
