The Eye Hold

This is an eye muscle relaxation technique that activates the oculocardiac reflex, which initiates a parasympathetic response to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. It works simply as a nervous system reset using lateral gaze. Here's how:

• Hold your gaze (both eyes) all the way to the side and wait

• You may notice a spontaneous yawn, sigh, or swallow — that's the reflex doing its job. Your nervous system just shifted. It's a subtle but recognizable release once you know to look for it.

• Switch sides

The eye hold as a regular practice is soothing and regulating to a tightly wired, stressed nervous system (which is all of ours in modern society). It is easy to do, takes less than a minute, and can be done in a variety of positions or settings once you are well practiced. I have found it calming and a useful tool to use as a prevention method on a daily basis. It is ideal in bed before sleeping, after exercise or stretching, or after a stressful experience.