Relax and unwind before your flight with these 5 Face exercises and Massage techniques

Travelling, especially by air, can be exciting yet stress-inducing. Many travellers experience a range of emotions from anticipation to apprehension as they prepare for their journey. Traveling can be exciting, but we know that the journey can sometimes create stress. To help ease any tension, consider adding face exercises and a gentle massage to your pre-flight routine. These simple techniques can make a big difference in helping you feel more relaxed and ready for your adventure ahead.

Understanding the Connection Between Tension and Stress

Before exploring the benefits of facial exercises and massage, it’s essential to understand how stress manifests physically. Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, especially in areas like the jaw, forehead, and neck. This tension can show up as discomfort, as well as pain and stiffness which exacerbate feelings of unease during travel. When the body is tense, it can signal the brain, reinforcing the feelings mentioned and creating a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break. Practicing face exercises and massages pre-flight can effectively interrupt this cycle by releasing tension from the muscles, promoting blood, lymph and energy flow to the face, promoting relaxation and well-being.By focusing on these exercises, travellers can foster a sense of calm, making for a more enjoyable pre-flight experience.

The Role of Face Exercises

Face exercises involve a series of mindfully performed movements and stretches designed to tap into the various muscle groups of the face. Regular practice of these exercises not only enhances facial tone (and so helps reduce wrinkles) but also contributes to overall relaxation. Here are some ways face exercises help release tension and and “uneasy” feeling before flying:

1. Relaxation of Facial Muscles: Stress often causes the jaw, forehead, and eye muscles to tighten. Simple exercises that target these areas can alleviate tension. For instance, gently massaging the temples while closing your eyes can reduce frowning, signalling your body to relax.
2.  Improved Blood Circulation: Face exercises can stimulate blood flow to the facial muscles and brain,  promoting oxygen delivery and rejuvenation. Improved circulation can enhance your mood and help combat feelings of fatigue or low energy often felt during flights.
3. Enhanced Mindfulness: Engaging in face exercises encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness. As you focus on the sensations in your face, you create a mental shift away from stressors related to flying. This practice can be particularly effective right before boarding, helping you to center your thoughts and emotions but it can be also done before the flight. 
4. Release of Endorphins: Physical activity, even in the form of facial movements, can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This can lead to improved mood and reduced feelings, setting a positive tone for your flight.

The Benefits of Facial Massage

Facial massage complements face exercises and further promotes relaxation. By working with various techniques, you can enhance your overall well-being pre-flight. Here are the key benefits of facial massage:

1. Stress Relief: A simple facial massage can significantly alleviate stress and tension. Using gentle, circular motions with your fingertips, you can massage key areas such as the jawline and forehead, which are often sources of tension. This practice encourages relaxation and comfort.

2. Reduction of Eye Strain: The muscles around the eyes are prone to tension and strain, especially for those who spend hours staring at screens or reading. Using light pressure around the eye sockets can soothe strain and fatigue, creating a comforting sensation that prepares you for the travel ahead.

3. Promotion of Lymphatic Drainage: Facial massage stimulates lymphatic circulation, helping to reduce puffiness and remove toxins from the skin. This not only enhances your appearance but also contributes to an overall sense of well-being, making you feel fresher and more relaxed while flying.

4. Creating a Self-Care Ritual: Engaging in pre-flight face exercises and massage allows you to create a personal self-care ritual. Establishing a sense of routine can help ground you before a journey. Dedicating time to yourself can foster feelings of comfort and security, making it easier to face travel anxiety.

5 Exercises and massages to do pre-flight for relaxed face and a calm mind:

1.  MASSETER WARM-UP:

 Place your index fingers behind your ears, with the rest of your fingers resting on the sides of your face in front of your ears. Massage up and down over the masseter muscles (located on the jaw) to warm up the tissue, release tension, and enhance blood and lymph flow to the face. Take long, deep breaths during this exercise. You may also slightly open your mouth to deepen the effect.

BENEFITS: This technique helps release tension in the jaw and promote blood and lymph flow from and to the face.

2.  EAR PULLS: 

Keep the same finger positioning as in the first exercise. Grab your ears, gently squeeze them between your fingers, pull them upwards, and start making backward circles with your hands. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let yourself enjoy the calming sensation. 

BENEFITS: Based on TCM the ears represent your Kidney energy. When your Kidney energy is weak you are more susceptible to fear. Massaging the ears strengthens your Kidneys and reduces fear.

3. SHEN MEN POINT stimulation: 

Using your thumbs, press into the center of your upper ear (this point is known as Shen Men) and massage in small circles. 

BENEFITS: Shen Men tranquilizes the mind and reduces stress.

4. MASSETER MASSAGE:

Start by forming a fist and gently opening your mouth. Position your knuckles just under your cheekbone on one side of your face. Slowly tilt your head toward your fist, allowing the knuckles to sink into the muscle tissue. Once you’re ready, apply firm pressure and massage downward along the masseter muscle. If these muscles are tense, you may feel slight discomfort in the area. Perform 10 repetitions, then switch to the other side. Remember to take long, deep breaths throughout the process. 

BENEFITS: This massage effectively releases tension in the masseter muscles, which can alleviate stress-related tightness and contribute to relaxation. It may also help reduce headaches, migraines, and even back pain.

5. EYE OPENER EXERCISE: Place the base of your palms under and just above your eyebrows, with your fingers resting gently on your forehead. Apply firm pressure to the area, pressing both upwards and outwards. As you do this, create counter resistance by slightly frowning. This exercise targets the area between your eyebrows, specifically focusing on the Yintang acupressure point. Use gentle pressure to massage and release tension from this spot. 

BENEFITS: The Yintang point is renowned for its grounding and centering effects, helping to unlock a deeper sense of peace and well-being. 

Check the video tutorial here.

These exercises can be done as a complete ritual or individually, depending on your time and needs. Incorporating them into your pre-flight routine can help you feel more grounded and relaxed. 

You can also explore a range of face exercises that not only promote relaxation and unwinding but also rejuvenate your energy and enhance your focus, all while improving your facial appearance. Join our best-selling Glowinface face yoga program, where you’ll learn 15 targeted exercises over the course of 5 weeks, organized into efficient 10-minute sessions. Plus, the program is yours to keep for life, allowing you to revisit and restart your journey whenever you choose.

If you’d prefer to unwind your face, body, and mind with the expert touch of professionals,