9 Screen Break Hack: Daily Walk for Better Eyes 

Tired eyes from staring at screens? We can’t fight it. But give your eyes a break and fight digital eye strain with daily walk for better eyes!

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Eye Strain

Staring at screens for long periods forces our eyes to focus on near objects for extended durations. This constant close-up work strains the focusing muscles in our eyes, leading to tired, sore eyes – a condition known as digital eye strain. Taking a screen break and looking into the distance during daily walks offers several benefits for your eyes:

• Relaxing the Focus Muscles: When you look into the distance, like gazing across a park or down a street, your focusing muscles get a chance to relax and unwind, relieving tension.
• Increased Blood Flow: Walking gets your blood pumping, which includes increased blood flow to the eyes. This delivers essential nutrients and oxygen, promoting eye health and reducing discomfort.
• Stress Reduction Bonus: Exercise, including walking, is a well-known stress reliever. Stress can worsen eye strain symptoms like headaches and blurry vision. So, a daily walk can help tackle both issues at once!

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9 Daily Walk Screen Break Hacks For Better Eyes

Sometimes, the classic “get some exercise” advice just doesn’t cut it. Walking is fantastic for the body, but by adding a bit more extra to your routine, it might spark some creativity, clear your head and leave you energized than a simple stroll ever could.

1. Walk with Intention: Instead of mindless walking, incorporate eye exercises into your walk. Try looking at objects in the distance for 10 seconds each, then focusing on nearby objects for a few seconds. Repeat this cycle throughout your walk. Another way is, to set an intention before you walk. It can be as easy as, ‘I need to refresh my eyes!’
2. The Window Walk/ Window Shopping Walk: Strategically planning your walk route can provide opportunities for frequent near-far focusing shifts. If you live in an urban environment, plan your walk specifically to look out windows of buildings you pass by. This provides frequent near-far focusing shifts, similar to the 20-20-20 rule. Instead of browsing online stores, take a walk and window shop at stores. This allows you to engage your eyes with various colors and shapes while enjoying the fresh air.
3. Walking Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for your walk, looking for specific colors, shapes, or objects in the environment. This keeps your eyes actively engaged and searching, providing a change from close-up screen focus.
4. Nature Walk with Detail Observation: On your walk, choose a specific tree or plant and focus on observing its intricate details – the texture of the leaves, the patterns on the bark, or the movement of insects. This close-up focus on natural elements can be a refreshing change from digital screens.
5. “Walk and Talk” Meetings: For those who work remotely, suggest replacing a video call with a walking call. This allows for conversation while giving your eyes a break from screens and encouraging focusing on the distance.
6. Audiobook Adventures: Listen to audiobooks while you walk. Instead of staring at a screen, listen to audiobooks while you walk. This allows you to enjoy a story while giving your eyes a break.
7. Blissful Sunshine Steps: Schedule your walk during natural sunlight exposure. Schedule your daily walk during a time when you can get some natural sunlight exposure. Sunlight can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, which can indirectly reduce eye strain caused by fatigue.
8. Eyelid Stretches with Sunshine: Find a sunny spot on your walk and close your eyes gently. While facing the sun (not looking directly at it!), slowly roll your eyes in both directions. The warmth and light can be calming, while the movement stretches the eyelid muscles.
9. “Stairway to Eye Relief”: If you live in a building with stairs, take the stairs instead for short trips. This incorporates movement and looking at different floors for a break from close-up tasks.

Repurposing Everyday Activities:

• The “Window Cleaning Workout”: Turn cleaning windows into an eye exercise. As you clean each window pane, focus on details outside the window for a few seconds before moving on..
• “Garden Gaze”: If you have a garden, incorporate eye exercises into your gardening routine. While weeding or planting, periodically stand up and look at distant elements in your garden or the horizon.
• Quick Tidying: A cluttered environment can be visually overwhelming. Putting things away creates a calmer visual space, which can be less taxing on your eyes, especially after screen time.

Hacks beyond walking

• Palming with Lavender: Combine the traditional palming technique with the calming properties of lavender. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil (diluted with a carrier oil) to your palms before warming them and cupping them over your eyes.
• Acupressure on the Move: While walking, incorporate acupressure by gently pressing the Sizhukou point (inner corner of eyebrow) for a few seconds at intervals. This can be done subtly while walking.

Remember, the key is to actively engage your eyes while incorporating walking or movement into your daily routine. This can be more effective than simply taking a walk for errands.

Daily Walk

With a simple twist on your daily walk, you can reap the benefits of exercise while giving your mind a much-needed refresh. It’s a win-win for your body and overall blissful wellness!

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