Yoga for the eyes. 7 exercises to promote eye health and prevent eye strain

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga facilities, suggested the following tips to prevent eye strain and maintain healthy vision:

• Reduce screen timeLimit the time you spend in front of screens each day so that your eyes get enough rest.
• Take frequent breaksInstead of sitting for long periods of time, take regular breaks to rest your eyes and calm your mind.
• Avoid dim lightingMake sure you have enough lighting when reading or working to reduce eye strain.
• Get rid of fluorescent lightsFluorescent lights can be harsh on the eyes and impair your vision over time.

Benefits of yoga for your eye health

Himalayan Siddha Akshar said: “Incorporating yoga into your routine to combat eye strain and improve vision can be extremely beneficial. Certain yoga poses can help protect your eyes from overstrain and fatigue, leading to better eye health in the long run.” He recommended the following yoga asanas to promote eye health and prevent strain:

1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Stand tall with your big toes touching and your heels together. Engage your abdominal muscles, relax your shoulders down and back, and breathe deeply for 5-8 breaths, actively engaging your leg muscles.
2. Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend). Stand in Samasthiti, exhale and gently bend your upper body, dropping your head while keeping your shoulders and neck relaxed. Place your palms on either side of your feet and slowly straighten your knees during the exercise, trying to touch your chest to your thighs. Hold this asana for a while.
3. Sirshasana (headstand): Begin in Vajrasana. Place your elbows on the ground and bring your palms together. Place the crown of your head on the floor in front of your palms, using them as support. Walk your toes toward your head until your back is straight. After lifting the right leg up, lift the left leg up and align it with the upper body using core strength and balance. Stay in this pose for as long as is comfortable, bringing your feet together and pointing your toes downward.
4. Halasana (Plow pose). Lie on your back with your palms on the floor by your side. Engage your abdominal muscles and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle. Press your palms firmly into the ground and lower your legs behind your head. If necessary, support the lower back with your palms. Hold the pose for a few breaths and hold it for 15 to 20 seconds.
5. Chakrasana (wheel pose). Lie on your back. Place your hands on the ground next to your head and curl your arms around your shoulders. Inhale deeply and lift your entire body into an arch, distributing your body weight evenly between your four limbs. Hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds.
6. Dhanurasana (Bow pose). Lie on your stomach, inhale and lift both arms and legs off the ground. Look up as you try to raise your arms and legs as high as possible. Hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds.
7. Desk yoga. Chair yoga, which involves changing yoga poses at your desk, can also help reduce eye strain and improve overall posture. Simple poses like Tadasana, Samakonasana, and Utkatasana can be easily incorporated into your workspace routine. Whether you work from home or in the office, take a few minutes every hour to stretch your body and rest your eyes to maintain your well-being and productivity.