Stress relief hack or myth? How sticking out your tongue affects brain and body

A strange wellness trend claims sticking out your tongue can instantly reduce stress. Experts say the simple facial movement may actually help relax muscles and calm the nervous system.

New Delhi: A surprising wellness trend claiming that sticking out your tongue can help reduce stress has gained popularity on social media. While it may sound unusual, experts say there could be some science behind the simple action.

How the Technique Works

According to wellness experts, sticking out the tongue activates and stretches muscles in the face, jaw and throat areas that often tighten during stress or anxiety.

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When people feel stressed, they unknowingly clench their jaw, tighten facial muscles or hold tension in the neck. Stretching the tongue outward may interrupt that tension pattern and encourage the body to relax.

Some breathing exercises and yoga practices also use tongue positioning techniques to calm the nervous system.

Connection Between Facial Muscles and Stress

Mental health professionals explain that facial expressions and muscle movements can influence emotional states. Relaxing the jaw and facial area may send calming signals to the brain.

The practice may also encourage deeper breathing, which naturally lowers heart rate and reduces stress levels. Experts compare the effect to smiling exercises or deep sighing, where physical actions help regulate emotions.

Is There Scientific Proof?

While there is limited direct scientific research specifically on sticking out the tongue for stress relief, studies have shown that controlled breathing, facial relaxation and vagus nerve stimulation can help reduce anxiety and tension.

The tongue movement itself is unlikely to be a miracle cure, but it may serve as a quick grounding exercise during stressful moments.

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Other Easy Stress Relief Techniques

Experts recommend combining small calming practices with healthy routines such as:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Stretching and light movement
• Meditation or mindfulness
• Proper sleep
• Reduced screen time
• Spending time outdoors

Bottom Line

Sticking out your tongue may look silly, but it could help release facial tension and encourage relaxation for some people. While it is not a substitute for professional mental health support, it may work as a simple and harmless stress-relief technique worth trying.