Eyes Wide Open: How your intelligent visual system has got you covered

Hello!

Last week, we talked about three unexpected ways to challenge your balance by playing around with your base of support. If you missed it, you can catch up now (video included!)​

And today, we're diving into a topic that might seem a bit "eye-opening," pun intended!

It's all about the fascinating and often overlooked connection between your visual system and your balance.

When we think about balance, most of us imagine standing on one leg with our eyes closed, wobbling like a weeble (they wobble but don't fall down, right?). But guess what? The eyes have you covered – and not just when they're shut!

So, let’s open our eyes wide and explore how the visual system plays a pivotal role in our quest for better balance.

1. Look Left and Right (Side to Side Sway) 🛒

Imagine this: you’re in the grocery store, and you spot the chocolate aisle. You turn your head, eyes locked on the prize, and start heading toward it. What’s happening here is your visual system guiding your balance. Your brain processes the visual cues, helping you stay upright as you navigate the treacherous terrain of the supermarket.

Now, try this at home – stand up and pretend to be a shopping cart. Turn your head left and right. Then try to move just the eyes left and right, and voila! You’re training your balance system.

2. Look Up and Down (Vertically Challenged) 🌆

Think of your visual system as your personal GPS. When you look up, your brain registers the change in perspective and helps you stay upright. Conversely, when you glance down, it adjusts your balance to accommodate the new angle.

So, channel your inner giraffe and engage in some vertical eye movement exercises. Looking up and down like you’re admiring a skyscraper can give your balance system a little workout.

3. Circular Motion – Clockwise and Counterclockwise (Twist and Shout) 🌪

Ever tried spinning around like a human fidget spinner? Well, it’s not only fun but also a balance-booster. Circular eye movements stimulate the balance sensors in your inner ear.

Try standing still while moving only your eyes in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and you’ll discover a challenging exercise that’s like a dance for your visual system!

Alternatively, try spinning in place while keeping your eyes on a fixed point – it’s a real challenge, and you might end up feeling like a human tornado.

4. One Eye Open, One Eye Closed (Pirate Chic) 🏴‍☠️

Ahoy, matey! If you’ve ever pretended to be a pirate with one eye covered, you’ve unknowingly challenged your balance. Closing one eye alters your visual input, forcing your brain to rely more on other senses, like your inner ear and proprioception (your body’s sense of where it is in space). Give it a try – but don’t go looking for buried treasure just yet!


Now, you might be wondering, why does all this matter? Well, because your visual system is your balance's best buddy. It provides vital feedback to your brain, helping it make real-time adjustments to keep you upright. It's like having a personal trainer for your equilibrium.


Plus, these eye movements aren't just for fun – they can have practical benefits. They can improve your balance, stability, and coordination, which is essential for everyday activities and sports. You'll find that tasks like climbing stairs, dancing, or even playing recreational sports become easier and more enjoyable when your visual system is finely tuned.


So, the next time you work on your balance, don't just close your eyes and hope for the best. Instead, open your eyes and play with your vision. Challenge your balance with these eye-popping exercises, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a balance guru.

And for all you eager readers who are keen to take your balance game to the next level, it's time to get creative and layer on these four visual tools to the base of support exercises we covered in the last post. Incorporating visual challenges into your balance routine not only adds an extra layer of fun but also boosts the effectiveness of your workouts.


Picture yourself swaying side to side with your feet in a tandem position while looking left and right, or standing with a narrow stance and sending your eyes in a clockwise motion while maintaining your balance – these combinations can be a game-changer for your balance training regimen. So go ahead, experiment, and watch your balance skills soar to new heights.


Remember, balance is a skill that can be honed and improved. It's not just about preventing falls; it's about enhancing your overall quality of life. So, why not have a little fun while doing it? Your visual system will thank you, and you might just discover a newfound appreciation for the magic of balance.


Stay balanced, stay safe, and keep your eyes on the prize – and the chocolate aisle! Until next time, keep wobbling like a weeble (but with style).

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa
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P.S., Just for fun! 😄