Your eyes are precious. Treat them with the respect they deserve by resting them, and strengthening the weak muscles. The muscles in our eyes can ge tired from having too much screen time.
Luckily there is an exercise that you can do. A simple shift in focus—near to far and back again—can help relieve that strain. It’s supported by both science (NIH study on eye strain and exercises) and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How to Do It (2–3 min)
- Hold your thumb or pen 10 inches from your eyes.
- Focus on it for 30 seconds.
- Shift your gaze to something 10–20 feet away for 30 seconds.
- Repeat 4–5 times.
- End with a 1-minute “palming”: gently cover your closed eyes with your warm hands. Breathe.
Bonus: Roll your shoulders or tilt your head gently to release tension around your eyes and neck.
Why It Helps
- Reduces eye fatigue
- Improves focus flexibility
- Calms your nervous system
This practice is rooted in the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and similar to TCM eye care techniques shown to ease eye strain.
Tip: Set your timer for 20 minutes to cue yourself to look away from the screen.
If you already get up for stretch breaks, incorporate this into your routine. Whether you wear glasses or not, resetting your eyes once in a while will be a big benefit!
Health & Love 