This stretch works to tone the vagus nerve, bringing about a sense of calm. I also find that my neck feel really nice after too – could be that the stress causing neck pain has dissipated !?

There’s a link between the eyes, the brain, and the vagus nerve. Specifically, when we stretch the eyes, we can stretch the activity in the vagus nerve, which opens the blood flow to the frontal brain – and it’s that blood flow that gets restricted when we’re stressed or under strain.

It is deceivingly powerful, although the real power comes with time – you may not feel like it’s doing much the first few times.

Sit upright in a stable chair.

Support your head at the occiput with both hands with your eyes straight ahead, then point your eyes (without turning your head) to the right until you feel a release (could be anywhere, a change in breathing, a need to swallow), then return the head to centre a rest a moment. Do the same with eyes to the left.

Now tilt your head to the left, and point your eyes (without turning your head) up to the right. Again, wait til a release. Rest a moment and repeat on the other side.

This last round is a little like the second, tilting your head first to the left – but this time rest your left hand on your head to provide a little traction while you’re looking toward the right. After a release, rest a moment and repeat on the other side.

Take a few moments to let the feelings sink in.

Don’t do this more than once or twice a day.