What are Eye Pillows?
Eye pillows are small, lightweight cushions designed to help you relax and rejuvenate your eyes. These cushions are often filled with dried flax seeds, millet, buckwheat, or rice and can also have dried herbs. The pillow provides gentle pressure on the eyes (while still being comfortable to use). It’s ideal for those who need a moment of pause to recenter, have difficulty sleeping, or those experiencing eye strain due to too much computer or smartphone use (hello, everyone).
Heat or cold is commonly a part of the eye pillow experience; some may contain microbeads (traditionally made of plastic) that heat up in the microwave while others are flax-filled, elaborately stitched bags that retain body heat to naturally calm your muscles and induce deeper relaxation.
Primarily used for relaxation purposes, eye pillows can also be used in meditation practices and yoga, mainly during savasana (corpse pose).
How Do They Work and How Can Eye Pillows Help You Relax?
Eye pillows are a soothing and calming tool that can be used by people of all ages to help them relax. The light pressure from the weight provides an added sense of relaxation while blocking out light and noise. An eye pillow is a great way to lower stress levels at the end of the day when you can take some time for yourself.
When using an eye pillow, first lay down and make sure you are in a comfortable position. Then close your eyes and lay the eye pillow over your eyes. For a few minutes and allow the light pressure and scent of the pillow to aid in helping you decompress. You can then move into exercises like deep breathing or do a body scan- focusing on your body parts starting from your toes and moving upwards. You may acknowledge how each part feels or even move through any tightness encouraging each muscle to release any tension.
When finished you may feel content more grounded - refreshed and energized with improved concentration accompanied by greater clarity of mind. A blocked nose is sometimes associated with using eye pillows due to their slight pressure – but it is not something that should deter you from trying out this helpful relaxation method!
What are Some of The Possible Benefits of Using Eye Pillows?
- Improved mood and reduced stress levels
- Enhanced relaxation response
- Reduced headaches, eye fatigue, muscle tightness, and improved sleep quality
The vagal nerve is an important part of our autonomic nervous system, which influences many involuntary bodily functions such as our heart rate, digestion, and respiration. Toning the vagal nerve has been linked to improved mental health, mood stability, and emotional balance. Eye pillows have been found to be a great way to tone the vagal nerve, as the eye pillow’s weight and warmth directly stimulate pressure points on the face. This may help reduce headaches and triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce stress hormones and improve mood. And allowing us to slip into a more natural state of restfulness – ultimately providing us with greater clarity of thought, decreased anxiety levels, and even improved sleep quality.
Merigold's Eye Pillow
Our Eye Pillow is the perfect aid for relaxation and meditation. This eye pillow is made from soft, breathable fabric and filled with natural flaxseed, lavender buds, and lavender essential oil for a soothing scent. This eye pillow also has a removable cover for easy cleaning and maintenance as well as comes in a cloth pouch to keep it clean when it is not in use. Whether you’re looking for aid in meditation or just need to wind down at the end of the day, eye pillows can be a great tool to help you create a moment of pause.
Now that you know a little bit more about eye pillows, why not give one a try? You might be surprised at how much it can help you relax and recharge. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.