Posture · Eyes
Screen distance + blink
Eye break · Seated or standing
- How to do it
- Look at something about 20 feet (6 m) away, like a far wall or a window, for 20 seconds. Blink fully and slowly a few times, then return to work.
- Dose
- 20s
- What you should feel
- Your eyes stop straining forward
- Common mistake
- Staring hard or skipping the far-focus.
- Make it easier
- Close your eyes for a few seconds instead.
- Avoid this movement if
- Nothing in particular.
Stop this movement if it causes sharp or worsening pain, numbness, weakness or dizziness.
Why it's here
Looking into the distance and blinking fully gives the eyes the break a screen never offers.
- Studied: In a small study, computer users reminded to follow the 20-20-20 rule reported less eye strain and dryness during the reminder period; whether the improvement lasted afterwards was unclear. (Talens-Estarelles et al., 2023)
Related moves
- Stand and shift · Standing
- Stand tall and breathe · Standing
- Standing overhead reach · Standing
- Sit bones find · Seated