Giving Your Eyes a Break and Everyday Tips for Eye Health

Eye health, an overlooked part of self-care

 When I was young, I didn’t need glasses. Growing up, we didn’t have computers, mobile phones or video games. That all changed when I started working behind a computer in my twenties. A few years later I needed glasses. Nobody had ever told me how to take care of my eyes.

Recently a friend told me she needed an appointment with the eye doctor at the hospital. Normally the waiting time was short, but this time it was months. When she asked why, the doctor explained that so many children now need appointments for poor eyesight.

It made me stop and think. If so many children already need glasses at such a young age, why aren’t we talking more about eye care? We all know that too much screen time is harmful, but what else can we do to support our eyes?

My daily habits for eye health

For me it all starts with awareness. My eyes tell me a lot during the day, and I’ve learned to listen. Over time, I’ve built small practices into my routine that keep my eyes feeling rested and supported.

Here are some of the habits I use:

• Step outside and let my eyes see daylight every day

• For every minute of screen time, take at least 5 seconds to look far into the distance

• Practice gentle eye exercises (sometimes called eye yoga)

• Meditate by looking into a flame such as a candle, ghee lamp or campfire

• When my eyes start to tear, I pause, close them for a moment, or give myself an earlier bedtime

• Let my eyes naturally tear up when cutting onions, it feels like a cleanse

• Calm my mind by softening the movements of my eyes

• Notice what catches my eye each day and bring awareness to it

• Rub my hands together, place them over my closed eyes, and rest in the darkness

• Choose nutrient-dense foods that support eye health

These are small practices, but they remind me that eye care is part of overall self-care. It is easy to forget, yet our eyes work so hard for us every single day. 

Eye Meditation with a Flame

Gazing softly into a flame, such as a ghee lamp or candle, helps the eyes relax and focus. This gentle practice, often called Trataka, can calm the mind, steady the breath and bring your attention fully into the present moment.

A gentle reminder

There are many ways to take care of your eyes, and it does not have to be complicated. Sometimes just pausing, noticing and giving your eyes a short break can make all the difference.

 I hope this post brings a little awareness to you and your own eyes.

An invitation

I’d also like to share something new:

my KoKo To Vision Studio

where I will be hosting free 30-minute online learning sessions once a week. Each session will include time for Q&A, with topics like gut health, hormone balance, nutrient-dense foods and more.

You can already sign up for the pre-launch on my KoKo To Vision Studio website.

I look forward to meeting you there.

Namaste,

Dafni