To relieve the tightness in your head, neck, or shoulders

To relieve the tightness in your head, neck, or shoulders, try one or more of these quick techniques:

Relax your muscles. Several times a day or when you become aware of shoulder tension, gently stretch your neck muscles. Drop your shoulders down, let your arms fall loose by your side, slowly rotate your head from side to side, and gently bend your neck so that your head falls forward. Repeat until some of
the tension is released. Use the Stretch Break software on your computer to remind you to stretch and to lead you through several stretches.

Focus on breathing. Take a few moments to focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly; inhale through your nose deeply -- filling the air in your lungs all the way through to your abdomen -- counting slowly to ten, then exhaling in the same manner. Repeat several times.


Use cold and hot together. To soothe and comfort the muscles in the back of the neck and shoulder, try a cold compress followed by a warm compress.

Exercise. One of the most powerful and effective methods for relieving muscle tension is exercise. A brisk walk around the block is a fast and simple way to release some pent-up tension.

Use massage. Knead the muscles along your shoulders, neck, and back of the skull. Gently rub your head, forehead, temples, facial muscles, and jaw to relieve tension. Recreational Sports offers massage services. Schedule an appointment online or in person at RSF.

Watch your caffeine intake. Sometimes a headache is a symptom of “caffeine withdrawal,” the result of regularly consuming too much caffeine, then suddenly decreasing the amount of caffeine consumed. To avoid this type of headache, watch your caffeine intake so that it does not exceed 200 mg a day (about
one to two cups of brewed coffee). If you are trying to cut back on caffeine, decrease the amount you consume gradually over a period of a few days to a week.

TOP TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

TOP TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

· Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Once in the
morning after breakfast and last thing at night before you go to
bed.

· Use a toothbrush with soft to medium, multi-tufted, round-ended
nylon bristles and a small to medium sized head.

· Use small circular movements to clean your teeth.

· Change your toothbrush regularly every two to three months or
before if the bristles start to splay.

· Avoid eating sugary snacks in between meals.

· Only drink water or milk in between meals.

· Limit sweet food and fizzy drinks to meal times.

· Remember that even fresh fruit juice and fruit contain their own
natural sugars and acid. Eating cheese after these foods will
neutralise the acid environment in the mouth.

REMEMBER TO VISIT THE DENTIST FOR REGULAR
DENTAL EXAMINATIONS.

To prevent tension headache

To prevent tension headaches, try one or more of these tips:

Reduce sensory inputs. Take a five minute break every hour or two and close your eyes. It helps to give your eyes a rest, especially after a long time working at the computer or reading.

Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t forget to drink fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration which may contribute to headaches.

Eat something. Make sure you are eating regularly; do not skip meals. Low blood sugar due to skipping breakfast or lunch is a common cause of headaches.

Take a nap. Short 20-minute rest breaks or naps often re-charge your energy and may help prevent a late afternoon tension headache. However, avoid naps if you have trouble sleeping through the night.