Are your eyes feeling tired and blurry after staring at screens all day? You're not alone! In today's digital world, eye strain is a common complaint, especially for Kiwis who love their devices. But don't despair – there's a natural and effective way to combat those digital blues: yoga! This Yoga Day, we're sharing a simple guide to yoga-based eye exercises that can ease discomfort, improve focus, and leave your eyes feeling refreshed.

Why is Screen Time So Hard on Our Eyes?

Spending hours looking at phones, tablets, and computers can lead to what's known as digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. Here's why:

• Reduced Blinking: We blink less when staring at screens, leading to dry, irritated eyes.
• Focusing Fatigue: Constantly focusing on a close-up screen can strain the eye muscles.
• Blue Light Exposure: The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep and potentially damage the retina over time.

Yoga to the Rescue: Simple Exercises for Eye Relief

The good news is that specific yoga practices, known as Trataka (focused gazing) and other eye exercises, can help counteract these effects. Here are a few easy ones you can do anywhere:

1. Palming (Hast Mudra)

This is a fantastic way to quickly relax your eyes.

1. Rub your palms together until they feel warm.
2. Gently cup your palms over your closed eyes, ensuring no light enters.
3. Breathe deeply and focus on the darkness.
4. Stay in this position for 1-3 minutes.

2. Eye Rolling (Bhrumara Mudra)

This helps to loosen eye muscles and improve circulation.

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
2. Slowly rotate your eyes clockwise five times.
3. Then, rotate them counter-clockwise five times.

3. Distant Viewing (Drishti)

This exercise helps your eyes refocus.

1. Look at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for 20 seconds.
2. Then, shift your focus to something nearby for 20 seconds.
3. Repeat this cycle several times.

4. Sideways Gazing

This exercise strengthens the muscles on the sides of your eyes.

1. Close your eyes gently.
2. Slowly move your eyes to the right, hold for a few seconds, then move to the left.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

Tips for Reducing Digital Eye Strain

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Adjust Your Screen: Position your screen slightly below eye level.
• Reduce Glare: Use an anti-glare screen or adjust the lighting in your room.
• Blink Regularly: Make a conscious effort to blink more often.
• Consider Blue Light Filters: Use blue light filter apps or glasses.

So, this Yoga Day, give your eyes a little TLC with these simple yoga exercises. Your vision – and your overall well-being – will thank you for it! Kia kaha (stay strong) and take care of your eyes!