A Simple Visual Technique to Trick Your Mind Into Relaxation

Without conscious effort, we spend most of our days in tunnel vision and rarely go into panoramic vision.

By consciously shifting into your panoramic vision, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of your nervous system associated with relaxation and calmness. Simply put, you are sending a message to your brain that you are safe and there are no threats in your immediate environment

Keep your eyes open and look directly ahead of you. Keep your eyes and head relatively still. Expand your field of view and soften your eyes.

Focus on seeing as much of your environment around you as possible — left, right, top and bottom — to the point where you can see yourself in that environment. Don’t turn your head or try to look first to one side and then to the next. Simply focus on what’s in your peripheral vision.

When we’re relaxed, our pupils change such that we have dilated vision. We see the entire environment we’re in — like a panoramic vision.

On the other hand, when we’re stressed or excited, the shape of our lens changes. The aperture of our entire experience shrinks, and we get a so-called soda straw view of the world. These sharp, focused eyes reflect high concentration and alertness.

Just like with the breath, the reverse is true again, and you can use your eyes to change your state of mind.