Every day, our eyes take in and process an infinite stream of visual impressions. We can spend hours staring at computer screens, phone screens, and other electronic stimuli, which can strain and weary our eyes. It's just as crucial to give our bodies rest and exercise as it is to give our eyes the same caring attention. Simple Ayurvedic activities can help maintain our eyes healthy and our vision vivid.
PALMING: TRY IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
To relieve eye strain, sit comfortably and follow this 4-step approach.
1 Rapidly rub your palms together for 10 seconds, or until they are heated.
2 Close your eyes and cup your hands over them gently.
3 Avoid putting any pressure on your eyes by merely resting your palms over them.
4 Slowly inhale and exhale, letting go of any tension. Rep this exercise 3–5 times more.
Palming can be done at any time during the day. When you're working at a computer or doing other eye-intensive activities, taking a palming break is extremely beneficial.
EYE ROTATIONS: TRY IT OUT FOR YOURSELF
Rotations of the eyes
This exercise strengthens the small muscles of the eyes, aiding lymphatic movement, which can become clogged when we look at a computer screen (or anything) for too long.
Follow this 5-step approach while sitting in a comfortable, upright position:
1) Relax your shoulders and jaw by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
2) Soften your sight and open your eyes. Assume you're standing in front of a giant clock. Slowly lift your eyes to the 12 o'clock position without moving your head, then pause briefly before lowering them to the 6 o'clock position. Rep this movement five times more, maintaining a steady and relaxed look.
3) Do the exercise again, but this time shift your gaze between 9 and 3 o'clock.
4) Gently place your heated palms over your closed eyes until the warmth subsides after rubbing your palms together rapidly for a few seconds.
5) Raise your head and look around. Rotate your eyes clockwise while keeping your focus gentle and your head still. Rep the movement five times more. Then, six times in a counterclockwise direction, rotate your eyes.
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