Quick And Easy Eye Exercises For Study Breaks

Manavi Agarwal

Last Updated: November 3, 2023
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Are your eyes feeling like they’ve run a marathon after a long study session? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there, staring at textbooks or screens for hours on end, only to feel our eyes protesting in discomfort. But don’t you worry, there’s a simple and effective solution that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or a degree in ophthalmology. In this age of digital dominance, eye strain has become an everyday challenge, and that’s where easy eye exercises come to the rescue. We’ll show you how, with just a few minutes of your time, you can give your tired peepers the refreshment they deserve. No need to be a fitness enthusiast or a yogi – these exercises are so straightforward that you can do them anywhere, anytime. So, let’s dive into the world of quick and effortless eye exercises that will help you relieve strain and keep your study sessions on track.

Understanding Eye Strain: The Culprit Behind the Blurriness

eye strain

Before we dive into the exercises, let’s get a grip on why eye strain happens in the first place. The culprits include:

  • Prolonged Screen Time: Staring at screens, whether it’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone, can lead to digital eye strain.
  • Close-up Work: Reading, writing, or studying for extended periods can also strain your eyes, making it hard to focus.
  • Poor Lighting: Dim or excessive lighting can make your eyes work harder, causing discomfort.
  • Blue Light: Digital devices emit blue light, which can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause eye strain.

Now that we know what’s behind the discomfort, let’s explore some unique exercises to soothe those tired eyes.

Give Your Eyes A Break With These Exercises

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The 20-20-20 Rule: Eye Candy For Your Peepers

Here’s a fun and easy-to-remember exercise that’s like a little treat for your eyes. It’s called the 20-20-20 rule, and it goes like this:

  • Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break.
  • Look at something at least 20 feet away.

This simple routine helps your eyes relax and adjust their focus, reducing strain. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to take a quick breather and gaze out of the window or at an intriguing poster on your wall.

Palming: A Mini Spa Day For Your Eyes

Palming is like a mini spa day for your eyes. It’s a simple exercise that can provide instant relief. Here’s how it’s done:

  • Rub your palms together vigorously to generate heat.
  • Cup your hands over your closed eyes without applying pressure.
  • Keep your eyes covered and take a few deep, relaxing breaths.

This exercise helps soothe your eye muscles and improve blood circulation, providing much-needed relaxation. It’s an ideal exercise to do during study breaks to refresh your focus.

Figure Eight Eye Exercise: Keep Your Eyes Dancing

Imagine your eyes are little dancers, gracefully moving in the shape of a figure eight. Here’s how you can make this a reality:

  • Find a comfortable sitting position and focus on a point in front of you.
  • Visualise a horizontal figure eight (the infinity symbol).
  • Trace the figure eight with your eyes for a few rounds.

This exercise helps improve your eye’s flexibility and coordination. It’s also an excellent warm-up before diving back into your study materials.

Zooming In And Out: Give Your Eyes A Workout

Like any other muscle, your eye muscles need exercise too. The “zooming” exercise is a fantastic way to give them a good workout.

  • Extend your arm in front of you and make a fist with your thumb up.
  • Focus on your thumb as your arm is fully extended.
  • Slowly bring your thumb closer to your nose while keeping your focus.
  • Move your thumb away from your nose again.
  • Repeat this process a few times.

This exercise helps improve your eye’s ability to adjust focus and can prevent eye strain when you’re switching between different study materials.

Blinking: The Most Underrated Exercise

While blinking may seem like an involuntary action, you’d be surprised to know that many of us blink less often when using digital devices or concentrating on our work. Blinking is essential for keeping your eyes moist and comfortable.

  • Be mindful of blinking more frequently, especially when staring at screens or reading.
  • Try to blink at least 15-20 times per minute.

This simple exercise keeps your eyes well-lubricated and reduces the chances of dry eyes and discomfort.

Pencil Push-Ups: Strengthen Your Focus

Pencil push-ups are not about building physical strength but about boosting your eye’s focusing power.

  • Hold a pencil vertically at arm’s length.
  • Focus on the letter or number on the pencil.
  • Slowly bring the pencil closer to your nose while keeping your focus.
  • Continue until you can’t maintain focus.
  • Then, slowly move the pencil away from your nose until you regain focus.

This exercise is like a workout for your eye’s focusing ability. It’s particularly helpful for those who find it challenging to switch their focus from near to far objects.

The 4-3-2-1 Exercise: It’s All About Relaxation

Imagine this exercise as a countdown to relaxation. It’s a quick and straightforward way to give your eyes a break.

  • Find a comfortable position.
  • Close your eyes.
  • Take a deep breath.
  • Hold for three seconds.
  • Exhale slowly for three seconds.
  • Repeat the process four times.

This exercise helps relieve tension and can be a fantastic addition to your study break routine.

A Word On Eye Nutrition: Feed Your Peepers

While exercises are essential, don’t forget to provide your eyes with the right nutrition. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Carrots, oranges, spinach, and salmon are excellent choices to maintain healthy eyes.

Mentoria’s Support for Your Well-Being

eye strain

As you embark on this journey to keep your eyes healthy and relieve strain during study breaks, remember that Mentoria is more than just a resource for academic guidance. We also prioritise your well-being, and that includes taking care of your physical health. Our expert team provides valuable insights on maintaining balance in your study routine, ensuring that your eyes and overall health are in optimal condition. So, make the most of these easy eye exercises, keep your study sessions productive, and rely on Mentoria for comprehensive support throughout your academic journey.