In this modern era, especially because of exposure to computer screens at work or at home, your eyes can experience pain and strain. Luckily, there are many solutions to relax your eyes (relax/not strain) and feel better.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Trying Out Exercises for the Eyes
Step 1. Close your eyes
Do this by sitting up straight to prevent you from falling asleep. Close your eyes as tightly as you can to relax your eyes.
- Hold this position for a few seconds, then quickly open your eyes. Repeat this step five times to relax your eyes.
- After performing this step a few quick times, close your eyes very tightly and hold the position for about a minute. Focus on your breathing to help you feel much more relaxed.
Step 2. Rub your eyes while they are closed
Rub the eyes very gently with the tips of your fingers, almost tickling them. Then, cover your entire eye with the palm of your hand to block out any light. First, make sure your hands are clean, and wash your hands if necessary, to prevent spreading the infection.
Rubbing your eyes can relax them, and continuing to keep them in complete darkness will give your eyes a very soothing effect
Step 3. Use your palms to apply heat to your eyes
Your eyes are very sensitive senses so it doesn't take a lot of heat to affect them. Gently rub your palms together to create friction, then gently place the warm palms over your eyes while keeping your eyes closed. The heat can have a very calming effect.
Remember to always wash your hands first to prevent the spread of infection (because touching your hands to your eyes without washing them first is one of the quickest ways you catch a cold)
Step 4. Try eye relaxation exercises
There are a number of exercises you can try to relax your eyes. Not every type of exercise is right for everyone, but with trial and error you can find out which one is right for you.
- Try winking. Especially when working in front of a computer screen, which can be eye straining, practice blinking every four seconds. Note that this method relaxes your eyes.
- Roll your eyeballs. Close your eyes, then roll your eyes in all directions. This method provides a deep relaxing sensation, almost like a massage, and can also relieve tension in your eye muscles.
- Try doing a "glimpse visual scan/ visual scanning." Do this, especially if you have been focusing on a particular object for a relatively long time, such as a computer screen. Take a little time to focus on objects that are very far away. Look into a corner of the room and take note of the visual details around you (this action is called "scanning").
Method 2 of 2: Seeking Changes in Work and Lifestyle
Step 1. Take time to rest
Especially if you work all day long and in front of the computer, it can cost your eyes. Focusing on a screen for long periods of time can tire your eyes, but sadly, it's really hard to escape from that in today's world. Get up and walk around during your meal breaks to give your eyes a chance to look around and focus on other objects without having to be in front of a computer screen. This move makes it much more controlled to get through the day with less strain on your eyes.
Give your eyes a rest by following the 20-20-20 rule. This means that every 20 minutes look at an object that is at least 20 feet (30.48 cm) away for 20 seconds
Step 2. Limit screen time
The main cause of eye strain these days is spending time in front of a computer screen, TV, cell phone, or other device that has a screen. Therefore finding alternatives, such as reading a printed book versus reading on an iPad screen, can be very helpful.
To reduce the harmful effects of unavoidable screen activities (such as having to work at a computer), try to lower the screen position and use an anti-glare screen to reduce strain on your eyes
Step 3. Wash your eyes frequently with cold water
Try doing this step, in the morning and evening, and at any time of the day when you feel your eyes really hurt or strain. Cold water has a cooling effect that can help your eyes relax.
Another option is to place cold cucumber slices on your eyes, and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. The coolness of a cucumber can make a big difference, as can relaxing your eyes by closing them
Step 4. Visit an ophthalmologist
If your eye strain continues to interfere with your daily life, consult your doctor. You are most likely experiencing vision problems, or another eye condition, which may be contributing to making you feel uncomfortable and/or depressed. It's always better to be careful than sorry, and to see a doctor to make sure that a more serious problem doesn't occur (it's just as good to get proper medical care, if needed).
