Staring at a computer screen all day, watching TV for long periods of time, working in harsh sunlight without protective eyewear and a general lack of sleep can all cause eye strain. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of eye strain include dry, itchy eyes, difficulty keeping your eyes open, blurred vision and watery eyes. However, you can avoid these symptoms by doing a few relaxation exercises at regular points throughout the day.
Blink
Blink. We do it hundreds of times a day without even knowing it. The Mayo Clinic says blinking has a vital moisturizing function for eyes. The action causes your eyes to produce tears, which lubricate your eyeball. However, according to the organization, staring at a computer makes you blink less and can result in tired, dry eyes.
The treatment is simply to remember to blink more often. Genius Beauty recommends exaggerating the action by closing your eyes tightly for five seconds and then opening them as wide as you can for five seconds. Repeat five times.
Cover Your Eyes
Cover your eyes. This exercise gives your eyes a spell of calming darkness, and it can be done in a minute or two at your desk. Visionworks USA suggests first warming your palms by rubbing them together for 20 seconds and then placing them gently over your eyes, being careful not to actually touch your eyes. Simply sit in this position for a few minutes with your eyes closed, and breathe deeply.
Head in Your Hands
Put your head in your hands. After a stressful day, you’ve probably felt like putting your head in your hands–now there’s a good reason to: it’s very relaxing for your eyes. The Mayo Clinic says to start by resting your elbows on your desk or a table with your palms facing up in the air. Lower your head so that your eyebrows are resting on the bottoms of your palms. Stay in this position with your eyes closed, and breathe deeply for up to 30 seconds. If you can, do it several times a day to keep eyes strain free.
Shift Your Focus
Shift your focus. Focusing on one thing for a long time can make your eyes tired and tense, so this exercise will help pep them up. Hold one finger in front of your face and stare at it for a few seconds then look at something across the room for the same amount of time, says EyeDoctorGuide.com. Repeat this exercise up to 10 times.
Energize Your Eyes.
Energize your eyes. This exercise is best done at home because it requires a bowl of hot, but not boiling water, and a bowl of ice cold water with a wash cloth in each bowl. Place the hot wash cloth over your eyes for 30 seconds then swap to the ice cold wash cloth and repeat the process for several minutes, says Visionworks USA. Finally, dab your eyes with a dry towel and open them wide–they should feel stress-free and invigorated.
