Optic Flow
A visual relaxation technique that eases tension by expanding your field of vision.
Why it works
After long periods of being indoors or looking at screens, expanding your visual awareness relaxes tension that can build in your ocular muscles.
How to practice
1. Soften your gaze so you can see more of your periphery: Above, below, and to the sides. 2. Close both eyes and again move your eyes in all directions. 3. Open your eyes and repeat, maintaining a wide peripheral vision and paying attention to any signs of your nervous system relaxing (for example a yawn or sigh).
Good to know
As with our breath, our visual system is bi-directional, meaning we can turn off our stress response by changing how we view our environment. You may also notice that you involuntarily sigh when you see a wide horizon—this is the same effect at play. Optic flow can be especially fun to notice when taking a walk in nature.
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