But eye health affects more than your ability to focus. According to Appelbaum, certain vision hacks can actually reduce anxiety and provide in-the-moment stress relief. Sure, you can always opt for an eye health supplement for vision performance and overall eye longevity, but you might also want to add these exercises to your weekly routine. Perform them for 10 to 15 minutes at least five times a week, says Appelbaum, and you can easily strengthen your orbs and balance your mood: “When we feel claustrophobic and we feel our body’s reaction to stress and we tense up, a lot can be done with relaxing focus, opening up periphery, and shifting how we are taking in that experience,” he adds. Think about it: With anxiety, many of us experience “tunnel vision” and lose peripheral awareness. When you have the ability to zoom out, it can almost “trick” your brain into relieving that anxiety. But back to the tromboning practice: “Take a target up close with small letters on it, bring it as close as [you] can until it gets a little blurry. Stop, try and make it clear, and then bring it backward,” says Appelbaum. “You’re almost tromboning that zone. The more you practice that, the closer you’ll be able to get that image.” Feel free to start with one eye covered and alternate, if that’s easier. It’s great if you need a quick moment of pause during a busy workday—just don’t forget to breathe deeply while you relax. But because the eye muscles are so delicate, they don’t require a ton of training. Simply follow his instructions below:
