The Eyes Have It!

Did you know that eye movements can affect brain function? Why? Researchers believe it's because the optic nerves directly link the eyes and the brain. The moves below are designed to help you improve alertness, memory, and more. Give them a try!

Note: Moves are for right-handed individuals, if you are left-handed reverse the move since your brain hemispheres are reversed.

To improve alertness – Focus on an object about 20 feet away for a few seconds, then switch your gaze to something closer. Do this a few times until you start to feel more energized. This jump-starts the part of your brain responsible for alertness and arousal and as an added bonus it also stretches the muscles around and inside the eye and can help combat eye strain when working at a computer.

To boost creativity -- Look to the upper right! Ever see a kid glance that way when they are telling you a story? It’s because it allows them to tap into the part of the brain responsible for creative thoughts and ideas.

To remember something -- Look to your upper left! Moving your eyes up and to the left activates the region of the brain responsible for visual memory. (I can't wait to try this next time I've forgotten where I parked!)

To build brainpower -- Move your eyes back and forth, from left to right for 30 seconds! By integrating both sides of the brain you help the two hemispheres of the brain interact more with each other which strengthens brain connections and can improve learning capacity, reading speed and even communication skills.

To fall asleep faster -- Roll your eyes as far up as they'll go, like you are trying to look at your forehead, while counting backward from 100 slowly, taking deep breaths, and telling yourself your becoming more relaxed with every count. Rolling your eyes deep into your head is said to reset brain circuitry to help you unwind.

source: Woman's World, April 14, 2008