In today’s rapidly evolving world, our eyes work tirelessly. From looking at screens for hours to scanning through never-ending texts, emails, and social media feeds, our eyes barely get a break. It’s no wonder many of us experience eye tension, tiredness, and even weakening vision over time. But do not worry, for there are simple techniques you can include in your daily routine to give your eyes the comfort and care they deserve while possibly improving your vision.
Blinking
Blinking is a natural reflex that helps moisten and energize the eyes. However, when we are focused attentively, like when gazing at screens, we tend to blink less frequently, which leads to dry and strained eyes. Make a mindful effort to blink more frequently, especially when working on the computer or reading. You can even try blinking workouts, like fast blinking for a few seconds, followed by a few seconds of keeping your eyes closed.
Palming
Palming involves covering your eyes with the palms of your hands to create total darkness, which helps relax the optic nerves. Close your eyes lightly and place your palms over them, ensuring that you do not put pressure on them. Let the warmth of your hands soothe your eyes while you take deep breaths. Attempt to do this for a few minutes whenever your eyes feel strained or exhausted.
Following Sunrise to Sunset
This method involves imagining the sun’s movement from sunrise to sunset while keeping your head still. Begin by looking straight ahead as if you’re in front of the sunrise, then slowly move your gaze upward as if following the sun’s pathway across the sky until you reach the peak. Then, progressively lower your gaze as if watching the sunset until you look straight ahead again. Repeat this process a few times to relax your eye muscles and improve concentration.
Tracing Figure 8
Visualize drawing a horizontal symbol eight (infinity symbol) with your eyes. Trace the shape leisurely, focusing only on following the imaginary lines with your eyes. This exercise helps improve eye coordination and can lessen eye strain caused by lengthy periods of screen time or reading.
Eye Rolling
This one might sound a bit silly, but believe it or not, it works. Roll your eyes in a circular motion while sitting in a comfortable position. First, roll your eyes clockwise and then anticlockwise. This simple workout helps moisten your eyes, increases blood circulation around the eyes, and lessens tension. In addition, it’s an excellent way to break the routine of looking at screens all day.
Eye Massage
Who doesn’t like a nice massage? Well, your eyes surely do! Lightly massage your eyelids and temples with your fingertips in a circular motion. This helps stimulate blood flow to the eyes, decreases tension in the eye muscles, and supports relaxation. You can also try rubbing light pressure to the acupressure points around your eyes for additional relief.
Focus Shifting
Our eyes are not intended to focus on one particular thing for too long, so give them a break occasionally. One way to do this is through an eye exercise by changing your focus between close and distant things. Look for a point in the distance and concentrate on it for a few seconds, then change your observation to something closer. Follow this procedure many times to give your eye muscles a good extension and increase their flexibility.
Near-Far Focus
Another exercise to enhance your eye flexibility and focus is the near-far focus method. Hold your thumb approximately 10 inches away from your face and concentrate on it for a few seconds. Then, change your focus to an object in the distance, at least 20 feet away, and focus on it for a few seconds. Repeat this process by concentrating on your thumb and the distant object a few times. This workout helps relax your eye muscles and trains them to adjust to various distances.
Visualize & Relax
Close your eyes and picture a peaceful scene, like a calm beach or a tranquil spot in a garden. Visualize yourself there, taking deep breaths and feeling fully relaxed. This intellectual workout helps lessen stress and gives your eyes a break from continuous stimulation.
Follow The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective way to avoid eye strain during lengthy periods of screen time. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at an object 20 feet away. This short-term pause permits your eyes to rest and refocus, reducing the risk of eye exhaustion and discomfort.
In Conclusion
Including these eye relaxation practices in your routine can do wonders for your overall eye health and may even help improve your vision over time. Listen to your body and give your eyes the attention and care they deserve. Thus, the next time you feel your eyes starting to strain, take a few minutes to relax them with some much-needed attention. Your eyes will thank you for it!
