Everyday wellness is multifaceted, but staying fit is crucial for physical and mental health. Movement keeps your body and mind performing at the top of their game; anything from running, cycling, dancing, and more can help you feel your best. But when you exercise, it's also important to pay attention to the most vulnerable yet overlooked areas of your body to ensure they're protected while you work out.
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Your eyes, in particular, aren't often considered in the fitness journey or in overall health. However, keeping them healthy and protected while working out is essential to avoid injury and maintain comfort and clarity. Here are some ways you can keep your eyes safe while staying fit:
Wear Sunglasses
When you're exercising outdoors, you're exposed to the elements, various weather conditions, and other potential hazards to your eyes. Wearing sunglasses can keep you protected while you workout. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection can block out the sun's harmful rays, which can damage your eyes with prolonged exposure. They can also prevent reflections from water or snow from affecting your vision. Sunglasses with a wraparound shape provide protection from more angles, shielding you from dust and debris.
Sunglasses from Oakley are a great option for active people, as many of the brand's frames are designed to be lightweight, durable, and stable on your face. They have options for running, cycling, golf, and everyday wear, so you can choose one that suits your needs and preferences the best. The Canteen can be used for exercise but still looks like a great everyday pair of shades, while the Flak 2.0 has a sportier edge. These shades also come with polarized lenses for extra visual comfort and clarity while outdoors.
Remove your makeup
If you like to wear makeup for a workout session or often forget to remove it before exercising, you might want to think twice about working out with it on. Sweat and makeup don't mix well; it can clog your pores, cause inflammation, and irritate your skin and eyes. Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and other makeup that can come in contact with the eye can inflame the thin and delicate skin around the area. Y
our eyelid also produces natural oils, which can become clogged from the makeup when you exercise and cause dryness and irritation. You can also become more prone to styes due to the bacteria from the makeup. To keep your eyes safe while staying fit, make sure to wash your face or wipe off your makeup before heading outside or to the gym to workout.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is crucial for replenishing the water you lose while sweating during exercise, but it's also important for healthy eyes. Hydration helps your eyes produce tears, which keep your eyes lubricated and remove bacteria and particles in the eye. Not enough hydration can cause dry eye and discomfort, which can affect your workout. Drink plenty of water while you work out to keep your eyes comfortable and your body performing at its best.
If you need more lubrication in your eye, you can use eye drops to add moisture. The eye drops from Systane are a popular choice since they work for up to eight hours and are ideal for dry, sensitive eyes. They also have no preservatives, so they can be used regularly. Another interesting thing to note is that exercise can also help your eyes stay moist! Researchers from the University of Waterloo found a significant increase in tear secretion and tear film stability after participating in aerobic exercise.
Protecting your eyes while staying fit can help you enjoy clear vision and a comfortable workout experience. Remember that your eyes are an essential part of your body that deserves proper care and attention like any other muscle or organ. Factoring eye care into your wellness journey can make a big difference in your daily life.
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