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"Using your eyes for a change"
One of the quickest, easiest and most effective ways to reduce stress levels and feel more calm and confident is to use your eyes differently. Yes, you read that right - your eyes!
It has been found that the way we use our eyes impacts the way we feel. Most people live their lives in what's called foveal vision, whereby they focus their attention solely on what's happening in the central part of what their vision. This kind of vision has been found to activate the sympathetic nervous system and put you in a fight/flight state. Prolonged use of foveal vision can put stress on the body and prevent you from feeling as relaxed as you would like. It can also cause you to burn energy faster and as a consequence, experience more ups and downs in your energy levels throughout your day.
The great news is that there is an alternative - peripheral vision. When you take your attention more to the periphery of what you can see - the left, right, up and down - and pay attention to more of what your eyes are naturally seeing, you will find that you instantly feel more relaxed. Not only that, but you may also notice that your head becomes less busy and much quieter, as you get out your thoughts and start noticing more of the moment you're in. Peripheral Vision places far less stress on your body, and when combined with some deep breathing, your energy levels will rise dramatically and stay up for much longer.
If you want to try it for yourself then it’s simple. You can do it anytime, anywhere. When first practicing, it’s recommended you look straight ahead and focus on something above eye level (to activate your visual cortex). Then start noticing all that you can see to the left and right of the spot at which you’re looking at. Notice how far behind yourself you can actually see. Look for movement, colours, shadows etc. Then, start noticing what’s above and below your eye level. Expand your vision out as much as you can and as you do, notice how you feel. You will be feeling calm with very little internal self-speak. Not only that, but you’re also likely to find yourself feeling very content.
This simple technique works for everyone, immediately. You can use peripheral vision and get on with your day as normal. Whether you’re chatting with people, sitting at your desk or walking up the street, simply notice more of what you’re seeing. Nobody will know, expect you, as you will be feeling totally calm, content and enjoying your day, whatever the weather.
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