Flexible Stuff - Article 8, Sunday, June 23, 2024
Ultimate Selfies
In the early 1990s, I was considered a personal computer guru in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. In addition to being a consultant and founder of a non-profit school that taught all-things computer, I was also one of the first to use Photoshop for the PC.
​
All was good EXCEPT that because of the non-ergonomic furniture I used, and my enthusiastic acceptance of the computer mouse, I almost lost my right side.
Shortening a long story, I was told that the paralysis I suffered was going to be permanent.
​
Ouch! Instead of worrying (a lot) about it, I set about to find out why this happened, and in doing, the "medical selfie" was born.
​
At the time, PC-friendly video cameras were gaining popularity, and even better, so was the ability to make screen captures.
I set up a selfie-studio in my office and through that, I discovered the posture that caused me to lose my right arm and ability to hold my head up straight . . . I slouched, curled my right shoulder forward, and in that position, moved my mouse around with a fully clinched shoulder muscle, causing rips.
​
From that experience, I've observed many things about posture and what happens when it is ignored.
​
I wrote a book on facial posture in 1995, moved to New York in 1997, and hoped to get it published. What held me back was my complexion, which was scarred from acne, making me a poor model for my own theories.
​
At 80 years old, my skin is still awful, but my face is fit; something I think many people want to achieve.
To duplicate my experience and find out how your facial posture may be weakening into a facial sag, buy a goose-necked tripod with a remote. Next, set up a little studio with your camera pointed toward your face and take candid pictures of yourself while you work on a computer, take part in social media, or watch a video.
​
The picture of me with a scrunched up face is how I look when I don't pay attention to facial posture. By relaxing my facial muscles completely, my forehead shifts into hooded eyes, a furrowed brow, sagging cheeks, a downturned mouth, and lumpy neck. It's this relaxed face that is associated with aging and its creep downward starts appearing as young as when in you are mid-40s.
As this series continues, I'll demonstrate isometric exercises that will help you save your smile and clear your eyes of hoods. For now, check the many facial exercise videos available on YouTube and use their tips to start your own facial posture fitness program, all of which you can document. Seeing yourself changing is believing!
​
I recommend all tutorials by Doctor Alekseev, a Ukrainian/American chiropractor, neurologist, and kinesiologist on YouTube. Why? Because many of his techniques resemble mine and possibly better, he's humorous as presented with dubbed-in English. Click here for two of his best videos on face lifts: Wrinkles will Disappear and You'll Become Too Beautiful and You Will Be Stolen!
​
Search Amazon.com or other shop to find the perfect goose necked tripod for yourself. Mine cost $20 on Amazon Prime, however prices start around $15 and range up to $35+. By pairing isometric exercises to change what your candid selfies reveal, this might be the best beauty investment you'll ever make!
​
Next week, I'll demonstrate some exercises you can practice anywhere and at any time (even while watching TV or driving), no gym clothing required.
​
Upcoming blogs . . .
​
I post every Sunday. Feel free to contact me with questions at Karen@Littleviews.com.
​
By Karen Little, June 24, 2024