Two Steps to Relieve Eye Strain: Blink and Breathe

Have you ever experienced a headache or eye strain from staring at your computer for too long? Me too.

The good news is that there’s an easy fix for this common workplace issue—breathing. (Yes, that’s right!)

Every 20 minutes, take a break from your computer. Look away from the screen, close your eyes, and take five deep breaths—really deep ones, filling your belly, lungs, and up to the top of your throat. Notice how your eyes, the sockets, your eyebrows, and the space between them relax a little more with each breath.

Feeling ambitious? Try an eye massage, as detailed by the Mayo Clinic, or a forward fold. To forward fold, stand or stay seated, soften your knees, hinge forward at your hips, and let your head hang heavy. Interlace your elbows and wrists if you’d like. Keep your shoulders and neck completely relaxed. Open and close your eyes and mouth a few times to stretch your face, then relax your jaw. Take a few deep breaths and notice your spine lengthen with each one. Slowly roll back up to an upright position. (Hopefully, that relieved your headache—just don’t get a head rush!)

Incorporate these simple exercises throughout the day to relieve and prevent eye strain and tension headaches. And don’t forget to visit Eyesafe to learn more about protecting yourself from the harmful effects of blue light.