The Nervous System Reset – How to Relieve Jaw, Neck & Shoulder Tension (Simple Self-Care Tips)

Published on April 17, 2026

Part of the series: The Nervous System Reset – A Blog for Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm

By Collette Lees

How to Relieve Jaw, Neck & Shoulder Tension (Simple Self-Care Tips)

II’ve been really enjoying writing and sharing this blog series with you.

In Part Three, I’m exploring upper body tension—why it shows up in areas like the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back, and how you can begin to manage it with simple, supportive self-care practices.

It’s no surprise that around 90% of my clients experience tension in these areas—and I’m no exception. That’s why I prioritise regular treatments myself, so I can continue showing up fully for you.

The good news? There are small, effective things you can do between treatments to help your body stay more relaxed, fluid, and supported.

Actioning Self-Care

You know you need it. Your body is already giving you signs.

You’re sitting at your desk, moving your neck side to side, feeling that familiar tightness. Or maybe you’re on a worksite or in the garden, and every time you lift something, that niggling pain gets a little worse. Your jaw is aching from clenching due to the stress and pressure you’re under.

But you push through.“It’ll be fine.”Until it’s not.

That’s often when the body forces you to stop—when movement becomes restricted, and recovery takes longer than it should have. All because the early signs were ignored. We all do it.

So what can you do?

Listen Early, Act Early

When you feel pain or discomfort, that’s your cue to take action—not a week or a month later.

Check Your Posture

Your body will always take the path of least resistance. It’s wired to conserve energy (just in case you ever need to run from a bear).

So yes—it’s happy for you to slouch in your chair, lean into your desk, or lift using minimal muscle support.

But it’s up to you to check in with yourself throughout the day and gently correct your posture.

When you improve your posture, you strengthen the right muscles. Over time, your body becomes more resilient, less prone to injury, and begins to find a new, healthier place of comfort.

Release Jaw Tension

Your jaw is often one of the first places stress shows up—clenching, tightness, even aching from the pressure you’re holding. This discomfort moves to the base of your skull, travels down your neck, into your shoulders and back.

Taking a moment to consciously relax this area can make a big difference.

Try this:

• Gently open your mouth as wide as feels comfortable

• Stick your tongue out as far as you can (it might feel a bit silly, but it works)

• Hold for a few seconds, then relax and repeat

You can also massage along your jawline using your fingertips, applying gentle pressure to any tight or tender spots.

It might feel simple, but this kind of release can be incredibly effective—I promise, it feels great.

Keep Moving & Stretching

Simple stretches can make a big difference.

Slowly move your neck side to side, then forward and back, to release muscles that have been held in one position for too long. Stretch your arms behind your back, and add gentle torso rotations.

If you’ve been sitting for long periods, don’t forget your hip flexors—they play a bigger role than you might think.

Just because you feel pain in your neck doesn’t mean the issue starts there. The body is deeply connected, and tension often travels.

I’ve included some simple stretches to help get your body moving.https://www.natracollhealth.com/resources If you need guidance or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out via email.

Massage Therapy

Massage is one of the most effective ways to release built-up tension and support your nervous system.

It helps relax tight muscles, improve circulation of blood and lymph, and assist the body in clearing waste and toxins. But beyond the physical benefits, it also gives your body a chance to slow down, reset, and feel safe again.

While a one-off treatment can bring relief, the real benefits come from consistency. Scheduling regular, monthly maintenance treatments allows your body to stay ahead of tension, rather than constantly reacting to it. Instead of waiting until you’re in pain or restricted in movement, you’re supporting your body to remain balanced, mobile, and resilient.

Think of it like servicing your car—you don’t wait until it breaks down completely. You maintain it so it continues to run smoothly.

Regular massage helps:

• prevent the build-up of chronic tension

• support better posture and movement patterns

• reduce stress and nervous system overload

• improve recovery time when your body is under strain

• Improve circulation and eliminate toxins.

And just as important, it creates space for you to pause, be looked after, and reconnect with your body.

Because feeling good in your body shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be part of your routine.

Nourish Your Body

Protein

Protein is essential for healthy muscles and should be included in every meal. It provides amino acids that support neurotransmitter function and gives your body the energy it needs to repair and maintain tissue.

The most complete source of protein comes from animal products like meat and eggs. A simple guide is to aim for a palm-sized portion (your palm) with each meal.

If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll need to combine foods to create complete proteins. For example:

• Chickpea hummus with brown rice crackers

• Stir-fried vegetables with cashews and rice noodles

• Mexican bean chilli with steamed millet

• Beans on wholegrain toast

To learn more about protein combining and how to create balanced meals, you can explore this helpful resource: https://www.natracollhealth.com/resources

Magnesium

Magnesium is another powerful nutrient when it comes to reducing tension. You can find it in foods like spinach, quinoa, almonds, cashews, peanuts, dark chocolate, black beans, avocado, and yoghurt.

Magnesium supports:

• Muscle relaxation

• Reduced inflammation

• Nervous system regulation

• Improved sleep

• Hormonal balance

• Reduced migraines and muscle tension

• Improved cardiovascular health

Even something as simple as avocado on toast with an egg becomes a powerful combination of nutrients supporting your body.

If you feel like you may benefit from magnesium supplementation, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute chat with me.

https://www.natracollhealth.com/services-book-naturopath-massage

Your body is always communicating with you. Tension in your jaw, neck, and shoulders isn’t random—it’s often a sign of accumulated stress, posture habits, or simply doing too much without enough support.

The key is not perfection. It’s awareness.

Small, consistent actions—checking your posture, stretching regularly, nourishing your body, and allowing yourself to receive care—can make a profound difference over time.

When you begin to listen and respond early, rather than pushing through, you create a body that feels safer, more supported, and more at ease.

That’s what a nervous system reset is really about.

Feel good, Simply.

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