Now we move on to seeing better and improving balance. Remember:
- Vision is a skill.
- Our vestibular system (the system that keeps us balanced) is designed to respond to head movements.
- Our proprioceptive system (our body’s understanding of where it is in space) is designed to control our movement through space
To help improve your vision and balance practice the following three drills daily for the next week.
Eye Circles
Make your eyes track the largest circle possible – in both directions – without moving your head. Start with your body lying on your back (a) then move on to more challenging positions.
- Lying on your back [start here, easiest]
- Sitting on the ground
- Tall kneeling
- ½ Kneeling (do for each leg)
- Standing
- Standing on one leg
- Standing on an unstable surface (BOSU ball or sand, etc) [finish here, most challenging]
Neck GTT’s (Glide-Tilt-Turn)
Glide your head forward like a pigeon. Maintain that position and gently tilt your head to the side. From this position turn your head on its new axis. All movement is smooth, gentle and focused on finding more movement throughout your neck.
Nerve flossing
On your right hand flex your fingers forward, externally rotate hand and wrist. Maintaining this stretch through the forearms gently reach your arm back, keeping the arm straight. If this is still feeling good, gently tilt your head to the left to increase the stretch from right ear to right fingertips.
For additional information and resources visit Z Health Education
Try this:
Set a timer for 10 minutes and smoothly transition through all 3 exercises. Start from sitting on the ground, when that feels easy progress to the next position, and so on, as each position becomes more natural and comfortable.
