There are many languages that allow people to communicate in society, understand each other, exchange information and develop. Oddly enough, only 30% of the information that we pass to each other is put into words. The rest is non-verbal signals: body position, facial expressions and even eye expression. The emotions that we express with facial expressions are the most important way of non-verbal communication. And sometimes they are more eloquent than any words.
How facial expressions work
Mimic expression occurs thanks to the muscles of the face. There are about 57 of them, and they represent a very special anatomical structure. Their important feature is that, unlike the muscles of the body, which have 2 points of attachment to the bones, mimic ones have only one point of rigid fixation, and at their other end they are woven into the thickness of the skin or into another muscle of the face. When they contract, they immediately set them in motion. The mimic muscles of the face are a kind of keyboard that, willingly or unwillingly, conveys our emotions to those around us - from happiness and joy to fear and anger.
Mimic pattern
The point is that muscles have memory. All mimic expression, repeated more than one hundred times a day, manages to gain a foothold in muscle memory and settle on our face in the form of a kind of mimic "mask". These are mimic patterns.
And it is clear that the facial muscles remember how to express not only positive, but also negative emotions. For example, neurologists' observations of patients with clinical signs of depression confirmed the presence of hypertonicity and hyperactivity of the muscles of the brow region, as well as pronounced puppet wrinkles (drooping of the corners of the mouth).
However, the mimic pattern is, first of all, persistent tension of the mimic muscles, which, in turn, accelerates the appearance of unwanted age-related changes and leads to the formation of wrinkles and folds on the face (read also: "What to do in youth to delay the appearance of the first wrinkles"). Chronic facial clamps lead to impaired circulation, skin nourishment and lymph drainage. As a result, the skin becomes flabby, wrinkled, deformation and asymmetry of the face may occur.
Hence the important takeaway: Controlling and using facial expressions correctly is a very important skill that will help maintain your natural beauty and mental health. After all, as you know, our body and thoughts are inextricably linked and have a mutual influence on each other, therefore, the relaxation of the clamps leads to the restoration of mental balance.
How to make facial expressions your "ally"?
Channel muscle memory in the right direction. Start small: for example, learn how to relax your facial muscles with some simple but powerful exercises, moving from one area of the face to another. Face gymnastics will help you with this (read also: "Face fitness: exercises at 25, 35, 45 and 55 years old (video)"). Since it is thanks to her that you train attention to the muscles of the face, learn to keep them relaxed. They also need rest, not to mention the fact that this will be an effective prevention of premature wrinkles.
Relaxation of the forehead and head
Clips and wrinkles in the forehead mean information overload, surprise, unsuccessful, stressful search for solutions and answers to significant questions. You can relieve tension by placing your palm on your forehead, making a gentle pulsating massage with both hands, or with your fingertips. Then do not forget to go with a combing motion from the forehead to the back of the head.
Eyes
Spasm of the circular muscle of the eyes disrupts the outflow of lymph (hence the swelling under the eyes), blood circulation and eye nutrition. Do eye exercises to relieve fatigue and tension. Open your eyes wide for 3-5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 5 times. Frequent blinking also helps. Blink quickly until you feel a little tired and warm around your eyes. Try to open your eyes wide and change the rate of blinking. Do it for 10-30 seconds.
Lips
The tension of the circular muscle of the mouth can reflect a state of resentment, emotional stiffness, detachment, restraint. More than a dozen nearby muscles are woven into it. With age, the circular muscle of the mouth begins to contract towards the center, that is, to close, like the diaphragm of a camera. This leads to a spasm of the muscles woven into it and, as a result, the appearance of purse-string wrinkles, nasolabial folds, marionette wrinkles. A pinch massage of the lips will help to put the circular muscle of the mouth in order.
Pressing gently and gently, pinch your lips with your thumb and forefinger. Separately, pinch the lip border, grooves (filterrum) above the upper lip, purse-string wrinkles above the lips and lower lip. Do not pull the skin.
Perform for 1 minute.
About the author:
Alfiya Fakhrutdinova
Photo: Getty Images
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