We stitch a lot and we stitch using 40, 58, 60 and somebody even 100 count. In time we find that our eyes get worser. For those who cares I offer some exercises for improving your sight and vision. I found the articles on eye exercises by Marc Grossman in the internet. They work for me and hopefully they will work for you.
Our eyes need regular exercise in order to keep them healthy, just like any other muscle in the body. The thing is, we take it for granted that our eyes will eventually give up on us and we will eventually need glasses or contact lenses. This doesn’t have to be the case if you regularly exercise your eyes. The truth is that - do not expect perfect vision overnight. These exercises give amazingly good results, but it depends on how often you do the exercises and how regularly you use them. Nothing will happen if you just sit there reading them. The biggest obstacle standing between us and our better vision is WE OURSELVES and OUR LAZINESS!
If you do not do the eye exercises regularly... if you feel that you can't go without your glasses or contacts lenses...if you think these eye exercises could work for everyone else, but not for you...then your eyes will never get to do something good for your precious eye sight.
You don't lose anything, you don't have to go to the gym and lift the weights, nobody makes you wake up early and go jogging if you don't want to, just take 15-25 minutes in a day, sit down and relax. Simply use these techniques and build them into your daily routine. Then make a full, honest effort over a 3 month period.
EXERCISES THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR VISION AND STRENGTHEN EYE MUSCLES:
1. BLINKING
Blinking is an often overlooked yet simple way to keep your eyes fresh and being able to focus longer. Have you noticed that when we stitch we tend to blink less, we concentrate on the holes and design trying to count and not to mess it up, our eyes are intently focused. Try it just now as a simple exercise. For the next two minutes blink every 3 – 4 seconds. After you have done this for two minutes, mentally take note of how your eyes feel, are they strained, relaxed, tired. Now try and not blink for 30 seconds at a time for two minutes. Do you feel any difference?
Whenever you blink your eyes are going into a brief period of darkness which helps to keep your eyes fresh and discharges previous information ready for new information, this helps to reduce eye strain.
Your blink rate can also help with your communication skills. Think about someone who looked at you intently and you possibly felt threatened by them. What you may have missed is the fact that they had stopped blinking. When someone stops blinking and stares at you when you are talking it’s a sign of aggression. However whenever you are talking to someone and they are blinking at a 3 -4 second interval it’s a sign of a relaxed and friendly listener. Check out people’s blink rates the next time you are talking.
2. PALMING
This is done to relieve stress around the eyes and as a way to relax your eyes while taking a break.
Instructions for palming
1. Take a few deep breathes before you begin.
2. Make yourself comfortable whilst leaning forward on a desk or with your elbows resting on your knees. Close your eyes.
3. Place your two hands over your eyes with the cup of your palm covering your eyes, your fingers on your forehead and the heel of your hand will rest on your cheekbone. Make sure you can blink freely and you are not putting too much pressure on your eyes.
That’s it. Palming gives you the opportunity to rest your mind and your eyes for a few minutes at a time. It may not sound much of an exercise but it can make a big difference in your working day if you stop for a few minutes and do this exercise.
3. FIGURE OF EIGHT
This is to exercise your eye muscles and increase their flexibility. This is quite a simple exercise but a good one.
Imagine a giant figure of eight in front of you about 10 feet in front of you. Now turn the 8 on it’s side. Now trace the figure of eight with your eyes, slowly. Do it one way for a few minutes and then do it the other way for a few minutes. It may seem very alien at first but it’s worth persevering with it.
4. NEAR AND FAR FOCUSING
1. Sit in a comfortable position, or stand, this will only take 2-3 minutes at a time.
2. Put your thumb about 10 inches in front of you and focus on it.
3. Now focus on something else about 10 – 20 feet in front of you.
4. On each deep breath switch between focussing on your thumb and the 10-20 feet object in front of you.
This will strengthen the muscles in your eyes over time and improve your vision overall.
5. ZOOMING
1. Sit in a comfortable position
2. Stretch out your arm with your thumb in the hitchhike position
3. Focus on your thumb as your arm is outstretched.
4. Now bring your thumb closer to you, focussing all the time, until your thumb is about 3 inches in front of your face.
5. Now move your thumb away again until your arm is fully outstretched.
6. Do this for a few minutes at a time throughout the day.
This exercise will strengthen your focussing skills and your eye muscles in general.
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE YOGA
The first step is to strengthen visual concentration. Sit comfortably with your back and neck straight but not stiff. Start by holding each posture for a few minutes and gradually increase.
1. Focus your gaze on the tip of your nose without blinking. Remain like this for as long as you can. Then close your eyes and relax.
2. Focus on your "third eye" without blinking. This is the area between the eyebrows above your nose. Then close your eyes and relax. It may feel uncomfortable or hard to do at first, but do not let yourself become frustrated. Keep your focus on that area and with time, you will find this posture easier to do.
3. Without turning your head, focus both eyes on your left shoulder. Remain like this for as long as you can. Then close your eyes and relax. Repeat this sequence with the right shoulder.
After you are finished, place the palms of your hands on your closed eyes and rest for as long as you would like.
Imagination to Balance Visual Concentration
Lie on your back facing up. Your palms should face the ceiling and your legs should be about shoulder-width apart. If you are doing this exercise in your office then sit comfortably in your chair.
Close your eyes. Breathe into your belly. Feel it expand as it fills with air. Continue for a few minutes and then open your eyes. Look at some object. Close your eyes again and continue "seeing" that object. This exercise helps to relax your eyes. It also balances mental focus with imagination.
Meditation to Balance Visual Concentration
Lie on your back facing up. Your palms should face the ceiling and your legs should be about shoulder-width apart. If you are doing this exercise in your office then sit comfortably in your chair.
Close your eyes and place your palms over your closed eyes. Breathe into your belly. Feel it expand as it fills with air. Continue for a few minutes and then open your eyes. Look at some object. Look but keep your mind empty. Don't let yourself attach to it or stare at it. This exercise teaches you how to focus without straining or depleting your eyes.
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