Why Do I Look Weird While Mewing? Unpacking the Visual Changes and What to Expect

Why Do I Look Weird While Mewing?

So, you've been hearing a lot about mewing, the practice of resting your tongue in a specific way on the roof of your mouth to potentially improve facial structure and breathing. You’ve decided to give it a go, but then you catch your reflection and think, "Whoa, why do I look weird while mewing?" It’s a common experience, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. This initial visual shift can be quite jarring, and it’s often the first hurdle many people encounter when they start incorporating mewing into their daily lives. Instead of seeing an immediate, dramatic transformation, you might notice subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, changes that can feel… off.

From my own journey and countless discussions with others exploring mewing, the feeling of looking "weird" is often rooted in several factors. Primarily, it's because your facial muscles are engaging in a way they haven't before, and your face is starting to adapt to a more correct posture. Think of it like starting a new workout routine; your body might feel sore and awkward initially as it adjusts. Similarly, mewing encourages a natural alignment that your facial anatomy might not be accustomed to. This can lead to a perceived change in facial contours, a feeling of tightness, or even a slight puffiness as blood flow and lymphatic drainage patterns begin to normalize. It's a sign that something is happening, even if it doesn't immediately align with your pre-conceived notions of what mewing "should" look like.

The core of why you might feel you look weird while mewing boils down to the fact that you are actively changing the resting posture of your tongue, jaw, and facial muscles. This isn't just about placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth; it’s about engaging the entire musculature to support proper nasal breathing and a balanced facial framework. When you’re not actively thinking about it, your tongue might be resting lower, your jaw might be slightly protruded or retruded, and your mouth might be habitually open. Mewing aims to correct these habits. This correction, especially in the early stages, can indeed lead to a temporary, perceived awkwardness in your facial appearance as your muscles learn to work differently.

Understanding the "Weird" Phenomenon: The Early Stages of Mewing

Let’s dive deeper into why this initial visual oddity occurs. When you start mewing, you’re essentially retraining your facial muscles. For many, especially those who have been mouth-breathers or have developed poor oral posture, the muscles around the jaw and tongue might be underdeveloped or habitually misaligned. Mewing requires the full tongue to adhere to the palate, which includes the posterior third of the tongue. This is often the most challenging part, as it requires a conscious effort to elevate and press this section of the tongue upwards. This muscle activation can temporarily alter the resting tension in your face.

You might notice:

A feeling of tightness around the jawline.
A slight shift in the perceived fullness or definition of your cheeks.
A sensation that your lips are being pulled slightly tighter or feeling more engaged.
A subtle change in the angle of your chin.
What might feel like a slight puffiness or a different distribution of volume in the lower part of your face.

These sensations are not necessarily negative. In fact, they are often indicators that your facial muscles are beginning to respond to the mewing posture. The key is to differentiate between a temporary adaptation phase and a sign that you are doing something incorrectly. The "weirdness" is often a sign of your face recalibrating to a more biomechanically sound position. For instance, if your jaw has been habitually positioned too far back, engaging the tongue properly can help bring it forward to a more neutral and supported position. This shift, even if subtle, can change how your facial features appear to you. I remember distinctly feeling like my jawline looked a bit more… prominent, almost unnaturally so at first. It wasn't until I understood that this was my jaw finding its natural, supported resting place that I began to see it as a positive development.

The process of mewing is not about drastic, overnight changes. It's a gradual shift that encourages your body to adopt a more natural and balanced facial structure. The visual changes, when they do appear, are typically subtle and cumulative. Therefore, that feeling of looking "weird" is often a temporary phase as your facial muscles learn this new, beneficial posture. It’s a testament to your body’s adaptability.

The Role of Tongue Posture and Facial Muscles

At the heart of mewing lies the correct placement and engagement of the tongue. The standard mewing posture involves resting the entire tongue against the roof of your mouth, with the tip just behind your front teeth, and the back of the tongue actively pressing upwards. This may sound simple, but for many, it requires significant conscious effort initially. Our tongues might be accustomed to resting lower in the mouth, or even on the floor of the mouth. When you consciously lift your tongue and engage those muscles, it’s a novel sensation. This engagement can create a subtle lifting effect on the midface and influence the overall structure of the lower face.

Consider the muscles involved: the mylohyoid, genioglossus, and styloglossus, to name a few. When these muscles are consistently engaged in the correct mewing posture, they begin to strengthen and adapt. This can lead to increased tone, which might manifest as a feeling of tightness or a more defined appearance in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jaw) regions. For individuals who have experienced a sagging appearance in the lower face, this improved muscle tone can be a positive sign, though initially, it might contribute to that "weird" feeling because it's a departure from their usual facial appearance.

Furthermore, proper tongue posture is intrinsically linked to the position of the jaw. When the tongue is correctly positioned on the palate, it naturally encourages the mandible (lower jaw) to sit in a more anterior and upward position, which is considered optimal. This can affect the appearance of the chin and the overall profile. If your jaw was previously receded, this subtle forward movement might feel unusual, making your profile appear different. I’ve personally noticed a more defined jawline appearance even when I’m not actively focusing on mewing, which I attribute to the consistent muscle engagement. It’s a gradual process, and the early stages are often when these visual discrepancies feel most pronounced.

Common Reasons for Looking "Weird" While Mewing

Let’s break down the specific reasons why you might be observing these peculiar changes in your appearance when you try to mew. It's often a combination of muscular adaptation, changes in facial fat distribution, and a shift in how your facial bones are supported.

1. Muscular Adaptation and New Muscle Engagement

As mentioned, your facial muscles are not used to the consistent, upward pressure of the tongue against the palate. When you initiate mewing, you’re activating muscles that may have been dormant or underutilized. This can lead to a feeling of facial tension, particularly around the cheeks, jaw, and neck. This tension isn't necessarily bad; it’s your muscles learning to hold a new position. It might make your face feel fuller or appear slightly different in contour, which can be disorienting.

Think of it this way: if you suddenly started doing hundreds of squats every day, your quads would feel tight and possibly swollen. Your face is no different. The muscles supporting your midface and jaw are being encouraged to work harder and in a more coordinated fashion. This can lead to a temporary increase in muscle tone and a subtle change in facial fullness. It's like your face is "waking up" muscles it hasn't been using effectively.

2. Changes in Facial Contours and Definition

One of the most cited goals of mewing is to improve facial aesthetics, such as creating a more defined jawline and higher cheekbones. However, the process to achieve this can initially make you look "weird." As your tongue presses against the palate, it creates an upward and outward force. This can subtly lift the muscles of your midface, potentially making your cheekbones appear more prominent or your cheeks fuller. If you’re used to a flatter midface, this increased fullness can be surprising. Similarly, the improved support for the jaw can lead to a more sculpted jawline. This newfound definition might initially look unfamiliar and therefore "weird" because it’s a deviation from your established facial appearance.

I've observed that the area under my cheekbones sometimes feels more "active" and looks subtly different, almost as if a small amount of filler has been strategically placed. This is because the underlying muscles are being engaged to create a more lifted effect. This is a positive outcome, but the unfamiliarity can be jarring.

3. Nasal Breathing and Facial Swelling

Mewing strongly advocates for nasal breathing. Many people who are not habitual nasal breathers might experience some initial discomfort or even a sensation of mild congestion as their nasal passages adjust. Furthermore, improved lymphatic drainage, which can be a consequence of correct oral posture and nasal breathing, might temporarily redistribute fluids in the face. This can sometimes lead to a feeling of slight puffiness or a change in how your face holds water. This temporary swelling can contribute to a feeling of looking "weird" because your face might appear fuller than you're accustomed to, even if it's a sign of improved circulation and drainage.

For me, when I first committed to nasal breathing throughout the day and night, I did experience a period where my face felt slightly more bloated. It felt counterintuitive, as I expected mewing to immediately sculpt and refine. However, this was temporary, and it eventually subsided, leaving my face with a more balanced and less puffy appearance than before.

4. Jaw Position and Profile Changes

The position of the jaw is crucial to facial aesthetics. Mewing aims to bring the jaw into a more forward and balanced resting position. If your jaw has historically been retruded (set back), the adjustment to a more forward posture can significantly alter your profile. This might make your chin appear more prominent, or the angle of your jawline might change. While these are often the desired outcomes of mewing, the immediate visual change can be startling. You might feel like your entire face has shifted, and this unfamiliarity can be interpreted as looking "weird."

When I first started consciously correcting my jaw position, I noticed my profile looked different in photos. My chin seemed to jut out slightly more, and the transition from my neck to my jawline appeared sharper. It took time to get used to this new profile, but I eventually recognized it as a move towards a more harmonious facial structure.

5. Eye Area Changes and Perceived Puffiness

This might seem counterintuitive, but changes in tongue and jaw posture can even affect the appearance of the eye area. As the midface is supported and potentially lifted by correct mewing, it can indirectly influence the appearance of the under-eye area. Some individuals report a reduction in under-eye puffiness or a more open eye appearance over time. However, during the initial adaptation phase, the shifting muscular pressures and fluid dynamics might lead to temporary, subtle changes that can contribute to that feeling of looking "weird." It's a complex interplay of anatomy, and sometimes the changes aren't immediately where you expect them.

6. The Psychological Aspect: Unfamiliarity Breeding Discomfort

A significant part of looking "weird" is psychological. We become accustomed to seeing our faces in a certain way. Any deviation, even a positive one, can feel unsettling. The unfamiliarity of the new sensation and subtle visual changes can trigger a feeling of awkwardness or self-consciousness. It's important to remember that what feels "weird" now might be the "normal" you’re working towards.

When I first looked in the mirror and felt this "weirdness," I had to remind myself that my previous facial posture wasn't necessarily ideal. The discomfort stemmed from the novelty, not necessarily from a negative change. It's like wearing new glasses; it takes a while to adjust to the altered perception.

How to Differentiate Between "Weird" and "Incorrect" Mewing

It's crucial to distinguish between the temporary visual awkwardness that comes with adaptation and signs that you might be mewing incorrectly. While both can make you feel like you look "weird," the underlying causes and solutions differ.

Signs of Correct Mewing (Even if It Feels Weird):

Consistent Tongue Pressure: You feel a gentle, even pressure of your entire tongue against the roof of your mouth.
Nasal Breathing: You are able to breathe comfortably through your nose with your lips sealed.
Jaw Relaxation: While your tongue is engaged, your jaw muscles remain relaxed, not clenched.
Subtle Lifting Sensation: You might feel a gentle upward pull in your midface.
Improved Posture: You feel a subtle improvement in your overall head and neck posture.
Temporary Tension/Fullness: As discussed, a feeling of new muscle engagement or slight facial fullness is common and often temporary.

Signs You Might Be Mewing Incorrectly (Which Will Also Feel "Weird," but Differently):

Jaw Clenching: You are consciously or unconsciously clenching your jaw, leading to discomfort or pain.
Neck Strain: You feel strain in your neck, particularly in the front or sides, indicating you're using compensatory muscles.
Mouth Breathing Despite Effort: You find it difficult to keep your lips sealed and breathe through your nose while maintaining tongue posture.
Pain or Discomfort: You experience sharp pain in your jaw, teeth, or temples. Mild muscular soreness is different from sharp pain.
Excessive Facial Contortion: You are making exaggerated facial expressions or contorting your face to keep your tongue up, which is not sustainable or natural.
Pushing Teeth Forward: You feel like you are pushing your tongue against your front teeth in a way that might cause discomfort or movement.
Lack of Posterior Tongue Engagement: You can only get the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, not the back third.

If you suspect you're mewing incorrectly, it's essential to reassess your technique. Focus on relaxation and gentle, sustained pressure rather than forceful exertion. Many resources recommend looking for videos that demonstrate proper tongue placement, emphasizing the importance of the back of the tongue.

Practical Steps to Navigate the "Weird" Phase

Feeling like you look weird is a valid concern, but it shouldn't deter you from practicing mewing if you believe in its potential benefits. Here are some practical strategies to help you manage this phase:

1. Be Patient and Consistent

The most crucial advice is patience. Facial changes take time. What feels weird now will likely become your new normal. Consistency is key. Aim to maintain the correct tongue posture throughout the day as much as possible, especially during non-eating hours. Don't get discouraged by the initial awkwardness.

2. Focus on the Sensations, Not Just the Visuals

Shift your focus from how you *look* to how it *feels*. Are you breathing through your nose? Is your tongue making full contact with the palate? Is your jaw relaxed? Tuning into these internal sensations can provide more accurate feedback than a fleeting glance in the mirror. The feeling of correct posture is often more telling than the immediate visual impact.

3. Practice in Private

If you're self-conscious, practice mewing when you're alone. This allows you to experiment and get comfortable with the posture without the pressure of being observed. You can practice in front of a mirror in private to observe the changes, but try to do so without judgment.

4. Take Progress Photos (Sparingly)

While focusing too much on visuals can be detrimental, taking occasional progress photos (e.g., once a month) can help you track subtle changes over time. Compare these photos to see the gradual evolution, which can be reassuring when you feel like you look "weird" day-to-day.

5. Ensure Proper Technique

Revisit the fundamentals of mewing. A common mistake is not engaging the back third of the tongue. Many find it helpful to practice swallowing and holding the tongue in that raised position. Another technique is to try to hum or make an "ng" sound, which naturally elevates the back of the tongue.

Checklist for Proper Mewing Technique:

Lips Sealed: Are your lips naturally closed?
Nasal Breathing: Are you breathing solely through your nose?
Tongue Position: Is your entire tongue (tip, middle, and back) resting on the roof of your mouth?
Tongue Tip Placement: Is the tip of your tongue just behind your front teeth, not touching them directly?
Jaw Relaxation: Is your jaw loose and relaxed, not clenched?
No Pain: Are you free from jaw pain, headaches, or significant discomfort?
Sustainable: Can you maintain this posture for extended periods without excessive effort or strain?

6. Hydrate and Manage Swelling

If you suspect temporary facial puffiness is contributing to the "weird" feeling, ensure you're staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Reducing salt intake can also help minimize water retention. Gentle facial massage might also aid lymphatic drainage.

7. Seek Feedback (Optional and Cautious)

If you have a trusted friend or family member who is aware of your mewing journey, you could cautiously ask for their objective opinion. However, be prepared that they might not notice subtle changes or might also find the initial differences unusual. It's best to rely on your own observations and the established principles of mewing.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While the "weird" feeling is often a temporary adaptation, there are instances when you should consult a professional. If you experience persistent pain, significant discomfort, or are concerned about the changes you're observing, it’s wise to seek expert guidance.

Who to Consult:

Orthodontist: Especially one familiar with functional orthodontics or myofunctional therapy.
Dentist: Particularly if you have concerns about your bite or jaw alignment.
Myofunctional Therapist: These professionals specialize in training oral and facial muscles.
Physical Therapist (specializing in TMJ/facial pain): If you experience jaw or facial pain.

These professionals can assess your oral posture, jaw alignment, and muscle function to ensure you are mewing correctly and safely. They can also offer personalized guidance and exercises to help you overcome any difficulties or discomfort.

The Long-Term Perspective: Beyond the "Weird"

The initial phase of feeling like you look "weird" while mewing is precisely that—initial. As your facial muscles adapt and strengthen, and your facial structure begins to align more optimally, the "weirdness" typically subsides. What emerges is often a more balanced, harmonious, and aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.

The goal of mewing isn't to look weird; it's to achieve a natural, healthy, and balanced facial structure supported by correct oral posture and breathing habits. The temporary visual shifts are often a sign that you are on the right track. Over time, people who practice mewing consistently often report:

A more defined jawline.
Higher, more prominent cheekbones.
A less prominent double chin.
Improved nasal breathing.
Better overall facial symmetry.
A more relaxed facial appearance.

It's a journey, and like any journey involving physical change, there are periods of adjustment. That feeling of looking "weird" is a signal that your body is actively changing and adapting. Embrace it as a sign of progress, rather than a sign of error. Trust the process, focus on correct technique, and be patient. The subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, shifts you're observing are likely the building blocks of the very improvements you're hoping to achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Looking "Weird" While Mewing

Why do my cheeks look fuller when I mew?

When you mew, you are actively engaging the muscles in your midface, particularly those that support the cheeks. The correct tongue posture on the palate creates an upward and outward pressure that can lift and support these muscles. For individuals whose midfacial muscles have been less developed due to poor oral posture or mouth breathing, this increased muscle engagement can lead to a perceived increase in fullness in the cheeks. It's akin to doing exercises for any other part of your body; the muscles become more toned and can appear fuller. While this is often a desired outcome for creating more defined cheekbones, the sudden unfamiliarity of this fuller appearance can make you feel like you look "weird" initially. Over time, as the facial structure potentially remodels and the muscles gain tone, this fullness can contribute to a more sculpted and lifted look, rather than just appearing puffy.

Furthermore, improved lymphatic drainage, which can be a byproduct of better oral posture and nasal breathing, might also temporarily redistribute fluids in the face, potentially contributing to a subtle increase in facial volume. This is usually a transient phase as your body adjusts to the new patterns of circulation and drainage. It's essential to differentiate between genuine puffiness and the natural development of muscle tone and structural support. If the fullness feels uncomfortable or persistent, it might be worth reassessing your technique or consulting a professional.

Is it normal for my jawline to look different when I mew?

Absolutely, it is quite normal for your jawline to look and feel different when you start mewing, and this is often a primary reason people feel they "look weird." Mewing encourages proper resting posture for the tongue, which, in turn, influences the position of the mandible (lower jaw). The goal of mewing is often to achieve a more forward and upward resting position of the jaw, which supports the facial structure and can lead to a more defined jawline. If your jaw has been habitually retruded or improperly aligned, the shift to a more correct position can be noticeable.

This change might manifest as a sharper angle at the gonial angle (the corner of the jaw), a more prominent chin, or an overall sense of increased definition along the lower border of your face. The feeling can be peculiar because you are accustomed to seeing your face in a different alignment. It's important to remember that this perceived difference is often the result of your jaw finding its natural, more supported resting place. This can improve your profile and facial balance, but the unfamiliarity can lead to that "weird" sensation. Think of it as your jaw moving from a compromised position to a biomechanically superior one, which naturally alters its appearance.

How long does it take for the "weird" look to go away?

The duration of the "weird" feeling and appearance when mewing varies significantly from person to person. There isn't a set timeline because it depends on numerous factors, including:

Your starting facial structure and oral posture: If you have significant deviations from optimal posture, the adaptation phase might take longer.
Consistency of practice: The more consistently you practice mewing, the faster your muscles will adapt.
Your age: Younger individuals with more malleable facial bones might see changes sooner, but adaptation occurs at any age.
Genetics: Individual anatomy plays a role in how quickly and noticeably changes occur.
The intensity of the changes: Some people experience very subtle initial changes, while others notice more pronounced shifts.

Generally, many people report that the most noticeable "weirdness" or awkwardness subsides within a few weeks to a couple of months of consistent practice. During this period, your facial muscles are learning to adapt to the new posture, and your brain is adjusting to the new visual input. What initially felt strange will gradually become your new normal. Some subtle aesthetic changes might continue to develop over months or even years, but the initial feeling of looking distinctly "weird" usually fades as your face becomes accustomed to the correct, supported posture. Patience and continued, correct practice are key. If the "weirdness" is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it's more likely a sign of incorrect technique that needs to be addressed, rather than simply a phase of adaptation.

Why does my face feel tight when I mew?

The feeling of tightness in your face when you mew is a common indicator that you are engaging your facial muscles in a new and potentially more active way. The primary reason for this tightness is the activation of the muscles that support the tongue and the midface. When you correctly position your entire tongue on the roof of your mouth, you're utilizing muscles like the genioglossus and mylohyoid, which are responsible for tongue movement and positioning. This sustained engagement can create a feeling of tension, particularly in the area beneath your chin and along your jawline.

Additionally, the upward and outward pressure exerted by the tongue on the palate can engage the muscles of the cheeks and midface, contributing to this sensation of tightness. This is because these muscles are being subtly lifted and supported. For individuals who are used to a more relaxed, passive facial posture, this new muscular activity can feel unusual and perhaps even uncomfortable at first. It’s important to distinguish between a healthy, engaged tension and painful clenching. If the tightness is accompanied by pain, especially in the jaw joints or teeth, it might suggest that you are clenching your jaw or using excessive force, which is not the intended way to mew. Gentle, consistent pressure is the goal, and as your muscles adapt, this tightness should become more of a comfortable, engaged feeling rather than a restrictive one.

Could I be doing something wrong if I look weird?

Yes, it is definitely possible that you are doing something incorrectly if the way you look feels "weird" in a way that is concerning, uncomfortable, or appears drastically unnatural. While some initial visual changes and sensations of unfamiliarity are normal as your facial muscles adapt to a new posture, significant or painful changes often point to improper technique. For instance, if you are experiencing:

Jaw Clenching: This is a common mistake where instead of resting the tongue, you unconsciously tighten your jaw muscles. This can lead to discomfort, headaches, and an unnatural facial appearance.
Neck Strain: If you feel tension or strain in your neck, you might be compensating for incorrect tongue placement by pulling your head forward or using neck muscles to hold your tongue up.
Tooth Pain or Pushing: Feeling like you're pushing your tongue too hard against your front teeth, causing discomfort or the sensation that your teeth are being pushed forward, is a sign of excessive force or incorrect tongue tip placement.
Mouth Breathing Despite Effort: If you cannot keep your lips sealed and breathe through your nose while maintaining the tongue posture, you might be struggling with the fundamental aspect of mewing.
Sharp or Persistent Pain: Any sharp pain in the jaw, teeth, or head is a red flag that your current approach is not correct or sustainable.

The goal of mewing is to promote a natural, balanced posture. If your current practice leads to outcomes that feel inherently wrong, look distorted, or cause pain, it's crucial to reassess your technique. Focusing on relaxation, gentle engagement of the entire tongue against the palate, and comfortable nasal breathing are key principles to ensure you are mewing correctly and reaping its potential benefits without adverse effects.

What if I notice my eyes look different? Is that normal?

It might seem surprising, but yes, changes in the appearance of your eyes, or more accurately, the area around your eyes, can be a subtle, yet normal, consequence of proper mewing. This isn't about your eyeballs themselves changing, but rather about the supportive structures around them. When you mew correctly, you are encouraging proper cranial and facial alignment. This can lead to a subtle lifting effect in the midface, which is the area beneath your eyes.

As the cheekbones are better supported and the muscles in the midface gain tone, it can lead to a reduction in the appearance of under-eye hollowness or puffiness. This creates a more lifted and rested look around the eyes. For someone unaccustomed to this effect, it might feel like their eyes look "different" or that the surrounding facial features have shifted. This change is generally considered positive, contributing to a more youthful and harmonious facial appearance. However, like other initial changes associated with mewing, this unfamiliarity can contribute to the feeling of looking "weird" until you adjust to your new facial presentation. It’s a testament to how interconnected the entire facial structure is.

I feel like my face looks wider. Is mewing supposed to do that?

The perception that your face looks wider when you start mewing is an interesting one, and it can indeed feel "weird" if you're expecting a slimming effect. However, this sensation often stems from the intended mechanism of mewing. Proper tongue posture on the palate encourages the maxilla (the upper jaw bone) to expand slightly outwards and upwards over time. This expansion is not necessarily about making the entire face look excessively broad, but rather about creating more space within the oral cavity and supporting the midface.

As the maxilla potentially widens and the cheekbones are better supported, the overall structure of the midface can become more prominent. This can lead to a perception of increased width in the upper part of the face, particularly around the cheekbones. This effect is often associated with a more attractive and balanced facial structure, as it can help to create a more 'orthotropic' or correctly aligned facial form. If you feel your face looks genuinely distorted or uncomfortably wide, it might be worth evaluating your technique, as excessive outward pressure that isn't balanced by upward support could potentially lead to undesirable effects. However, a subtle sense of increased width in the midface, particularly around the cheekbones, is often an intended and beneficial outcome of consistent mewing, even if it feels strange at first.

Should I be worried if my lips look different while mewing?

It's not necessarily cause for worry if your lips look and feel different while mewing, as this is often a normal part of the process and can contribute to the feeling of looking "weird." Mewing encourages proper lip seal and nasal breathing. When you consciously ensure your lips are closed and relaxed, you might notice that they are held in a slightly different position or feel more engaged than when your mouth was habitually slightly open. This can make your lips appear fuller or more defined, as they are now in their natural, supported resting position.

Furthermore, as the tongue rests on the palate, it provides upward support to the midface, which can indirectly affect the position and appearance of the upper lip. Some individuals find that their upper lip appears to have a slightly better projection or is less recessed when mewing correctly. This change in the way your lips are held and supported can alter their perceived shape and volume, making them look different. This is generally a positive development, contributing to better facial harmony and balance. However, if the change feels extreme, uncomfortable, or you feel you are actively forcing your lips into a position rather than them naturally sealing, it might be worth re-evaluating your overall posture and focusing on relaxation.

What if I feel a strain in my neck when I try to mew?

Feeling a strain in your neck when you try to mew is a strong indication that you are likely not using the correct technique. Proper mewing should not cause neck strain. Instead, it should ideally promote better head and neck posture over time. This strain usually arises from compensatory muscle use. For instance:

Forward Head Posture: If you have a tendency towards forward head posture, you might be trying to hold your tongue up by tilting your head forward or tensing muscles in the front of your neck.
Excessive Force: You might be using too much force to try and get the back of your tongue to the palate, leading to overall tension that radiates into the neck.
Incorrect Tongue Placement: If you are struggling to get the posterior third of your tongue to the palate, you might be relying on other muscles to compensate, including those in the neck.

The correct mewing posture involves a gentle, sustained engagement of the tongue muscles. It should feel natural and relaxed, not strenuous. If you experience neck strain, it's essential to stop and reassess your technique. Focus on relaxing your jaw, neck, and shoulders. Try to achieve tongue placement through subtle muscular effort rather than brute force. Visual aids and guidance from professionals can be invaluable in correcting this issue and ensuring you're mewing safely and effectively.

Can mewing change the shape of my nose?

While mewing's primary focus is on the oral cavity and facial structure below the nose, there's a common belief and anecdotal evidence suggesting that it can indirectly influence the appearance of the nose, particularly the nasal bridge and nostrils. The theory is that by encouraging upward growth of the maxilla (the upper jaw bone), mewing can create more space and support in the midface. This increased structural support in the midface can, in turn, subtly affect the appearance of the nasal bridge, potentially making it appear straighter or more defined. Additionally, some practitioners report a slight narrowing or lifting of the nostrils as a result of the improved facial posture and breathing patterns.

However, it's important to approach this claim with a degree of caution. The effects on the nose are generally considered to be indirect and subtle, especially compared to the more direct impacts on jawline and cheekbone definition. Significant changes to the bone structure of the nose itself are unlikely, particularly in adults whose facial bones have largely fused. The perceived changes are more likely due to the overall reshaping and lifting of the midface structure that supports the nose. If you feel your nose looks "weird" due to mewing, it's likely a consequence of these subtle shifts in the surrounding facial architecture rather than a direct alteration of the nasal bones.

Why do I look so different in photos compared to the mirror when mewing?

The discrepancy between how you look in photos and how you perceive yourself in the mirror, especially when mewing, is a common phenomenon related to camera angles, lighting, and perspective. Mirrors provide a direct, often slightly distorted, reflection, while cameras capture a flattened, two-dimensional image from a specific vantage point. When you are actively mewing, you are engaging muscles and adopting a posture that changes your facial contours and angles.

In a mirror, you might see the subtle lifting of your midface or the engagement of your jawline, and your brain interprets this as a familiar, albeit new, version of yourself. However, a photograph captures this in a fixed way. If the photo is taken from a slightly lower angle, it can exaggerate features like the chin and jawline, making them appear more prominent or even "weird." Conversely, a photo from a higher angle might de-emphasize the very changes you're trying to achieve. Lighting also plays a significant role; harsh lighting can create shadows that alter your perceived facial structure, making areas appear more sunken or more prominent than they are.

The "weirdness" you see in photos while mewing might be due to the camera capturing the effects of your new posture more starkly than your brain is accustomed to processing in a 3D mirror reflection. It’s essential to remember that photos are just one representation of your face, and they can be quite misleading. Consistent mewing aims for a balanced, natural resting posture, and it's this natural alignment that should be the goal, not how it appears in a single unflattering photograph.

Is there a way to avoid looking weird while mewing?

Avoiding the "weird" look entirely while mewing can be challenging because, as we've discussed, some initial visual changes and sensations are a natural part of adapting to a new, more correct posture. However, you can minimize the intensity and duration of this feeling by focusing on a few key principles:

Gradual Progression: Instead of trying to maintain perfect mewing posture 24/7 from day one, start by consciously practicing for shorter periods throughout the day. Gradually increase the duration as your muscles adapt and you become more comfortable.
Focus on Relaxation: Ensure you are not clenching your jaw or tensing other facial muscles unnecessarily. True mewing should feel relaxed and sustainable. If you feel tension building, take a break and reassess.
Prioritize Nasal Breathing: Make nasal breathing a priority. If you find yourself mouth-breathing, gently bring your lips together and focus on breathing through your nose. This is fundamental and helps normalize your facial resting posture.
Gentle, Consistent Pressure: Avoid using excessive force with your tongue. The pressure should be gentle and consistent, engaging the entire tongue surface. Think of it as a light suction or adherence, not a forceful push.
Patience and Self-Acceptance: Understand that some initial visual changes are normal. Educate yourself on what to expect and try to view these changes as signs of progress rather than flaws. Being patient with your body's adaptation process is crucial.
Seek Guidance if Needed: If you are particularly concerned about your appearance or suspect incorrect technique, consulting a myofunctional therapist or an orthodontist familiar with facial development can provide personalized advice to ensure you are on the right track and minimize any potentially undesirable visual effects.

By focusing on these aspects, you can help your body adapt more smoothly, potentially reducing the feeling of looking "weird" and accelerating your journey towards achieving the benefits of proper oral posture.

Final Thoughts on the "Weird" Stage

Encountering that feeling of looking "weird" while mewing is a common, and often temporary, rite of passage. It's a signal that your facial muscles are being re-educated, your jaw is finding its optimal position, and your body is adapting to a more functional and potentially aesthetically beneficial posture. The key is to understand that this sensation is not necessarily a sign of doing something wrong, but rather a reflection of your face recalibrating.

By focusing on correct technique, prioritizing nasal breathing, practicing patience, and being mindful of your body’s signals, you can navigate this phase more comfortably. Remember, the ultimate goal of mewing is to promote natural facial development and improve overall health, and that journey often involves periods of adjustment. Trust the process, stay consistent, and you'll likely find that the "weirdness" gives way to a more harmonious and balanced facial appearance over time.