Count yourself extremely lucky if you have not suffered the embarrassment of a double chin at one point or another. We all have those moments when taking selfies, texting or even in our everyday life when we notice that unwanted bulge and/or jiggle of mass around the neck and chin.
No, this is not always a result of excess weight.
Dermatologists have revealed that factors such as age, sun exposure, smoking and poor diet also contribute to sagging of skin around your neck and chin, a process which begins at the age of 20, by the way.
Yes, you read that right. At the ripe age of 20 years old!
But there is no need to panic. Whatever the cause of your double chin, there are a couple of ways to get rid of it. These are:
1. Cosmetic surgery
2. A healthy diet
3. Regular exercise.
A good number of people resort to cosmetic surgery to get rid of their unsightly double chins. The downside of this is that the procedure is quite expensive. The good news is, there are ways of getting rid of your extra chin without resorting to surgery, through exercises that are simple and easy to do in the comfort of your home (or really anywhere at any time of the day or night).
1. The Neck Roll Exercise
While sitting upright, gently turn your neck to one side until your chin touches your shoulder. Now slowly bring your head down till your chin is resting on your chest. Then raise your chin and turn to the other side until it touches the other shoulder. Makes sure your shoulders are square and your spine is erect during this exercise.
2. The Chin Lift
Sit upright and tilt your head to look at the ceiling. Pucker your lips as if you’re trying to kiss the ceiling, extending them as far as possible. Hold for five seconds, and then relax and return to the starting position.
3. The Tongue Press
Sit upright and tilt your head to look at the ceiling. Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and hold it there. Now lower your chin to your chest and back up again.
4. The Jaw Release
Sit upright and press your lips tight together while humming. Now move your jaw up and down as if you are chewing, while keeping your lips tightly closed. Hold for 10 seconds. When done, open your mouth as wide as possible with the tip of the tongue pressed gently against your bottom front teeth. Hold for 10 seconds. Rest. Then repeat.
5. Side Neck Stretch
While sitting upright on the floor, place your hand on the floor next to your hip, fingers facing down. Lift your opposite arm and wrap it around your head, touching the opposite ear. Gently bend your neck towards your shoulder, using your hand to press down on the head. Lift the hand on the ground to your upper arm and use it to press your shoulders away from your head. Hold this position for five seconds and release. Repeat on the other side.
Note that these exercises can be done while in a standing or sitting position. Whichever position you choose, make sure that your spine is upright.