Eye yoga is a set of slow, gentle eye movements, focus shifts and palming, done with relaxed breathing. People use it as a calm break from screens. Here is a five-minute routine you can do at your desk.
What eye yoga is
It borrows yoga’s slow pace and breathing and applies it to simple eye movements. It is a relaxation break, not a treatment, and it doesn’t change your eyesight.
The routine, minute by minute
- Minute 1 — Settle and palm: sit tall, drop your shoulders, warm your hands and cup them over your closed eyes. Breathe slowly.
- Minute 2 — Up, down, side to side: move your eyes slowly, two seconds in each direction, breathing out as you move.
- Minute 3 — Circles: five slow circles clockwise, five counter-clockwise, with a few blinks between sets.
- Minute 4 — Near and far: hold your thumb at arm’s length, focus on it, then on a point across the room. Ten times.
- Minute 5 — Blink and rest: ten slow, full blinks, then close your eyes for 30 seconds.
Tips
Breathe slowly and keep your head still. Stop if you feel dizzy or your eyes hurt. Do it in comfortable light, away from glare.
What it helps with, and what it doesn’t
Eye yoga is a pleasant break that can help tired eyes feel more comfortable. It doesn’t change your prescription or treat eye conditions. If your eyes hurt or your vision changes, see an eye doctor.
Keep reading
- Eye Yoga for Dry Eyes: Soothing and Hydrating Your Eyes
- Get Dry Eye Relief with These 5-Minute Daily Eye Exercises
- Sleep Deprivation and Eye Fatigue: Why Rest Is Critical
If you’d like a guided routine, VisionUp walks you through short eye exercises and relaxation breaks designed to help reduce eye strain. It’s a daily habit for tired eyes.