How to use Eye Pillows?

Have you ever spotted a small, soft pillow resting at the end of your yoga mat in class and wondered about its purpose? This is known as an eye pillow, a key accessory in enhancing relaxation during yoga practices, particularly during Savasana (Corpse Pose).

Eye pillows are specifically designed to add a gentle weight over your eyes, providing sensory relaxation which aids in deepening your meditation and relaxation states.

An eye pillow is a bean bag weighted with small black beans or seeds to help it mold around the face, blocking out all light. People worldwide use an eye pillow for instant relief from headaches or insomnia due to stress for optimal relaxation and comfort during sleep.

The Sacksy Thyme organic eye pillows are filled with linseed (known as flax in the UK), making them heavier and able to mold in every direction so that your eyes stay completely covered even when you move around.

 

Eye pillows are sometimes scented with dried Lavender, but others are left unscented to customize our desires. Scent can be a strong personal choice and a really useful part of this practice. If you'd like to learn more about this ancient tradition, I recommend checking our lavender guide!

Preparing Your Eye Pillow

To ensure the best experience with your eye pillow, it's important to properly prepare it. You have two options depending on your preference: chill it in the freezer or heat it in the microwave. 

If you choose to heat it, start with 30-second intervals in the microwave, but keep in mind that microwave power may vary, so you may need to test it in 15-30-second intervals until you reach the desired temperature, which is usually achieved in about 30 seconds. 

If you prefer a cooling sensation, place the eye pillow in the freezer, but protect it from absorbing freezer odors by placing it in the included reusable, food-grade bag. Again, remember that the duration of warmth or coolness may vary depending on the surrounding temperature.

Using Your Eye Pillow

To use your eye pillow, find a calm and quiet place without distractions. You can either sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Place the eye pillow over your eyes, which can be heated or chilled. Take deep breaths to relax and slow your heart rate. You will feel gentle pressure on your eyes from the pillow, and if you have an aromatherapy pillow, you can enjoy its various scents.

Rest with the eye pillow for at least 10 minutes to feel refreshed and revitalized. If you fall asleep, don't worry; it just means you need a little rest.

How can you use an eye pillow?

At the end of your yoga session or for Savasana

Savasana is great, but if you're not, in fact, a corpse when practicing it, what can the instructor do to help your body relax? If there's light, that's distracting. As heavy as draping your eyes with a hand is satisfying weightiness that alone cannot signal your body to relax as needed for a yogi. So it becomes about signaling through all of your senses.

Eye Pillows are a popular post-workout accessory used by many individuals who practice Yoga. They're particularly helpful during Savasana, or Corpse Pose, and therapeutic yoga sessions. Savasana is the final pose in most yoga practices, designed to inspire calmness and foster deep relaxation. The Sacksy Thyme eye pillow is an excellent tool for reaching the relaxation peak.

A Sacksy Thyme eye pillow is an easy way to relax in the savasana at the end of class. That can be your first step towards getting rid of tension and stress during a short period!

There are other uses for eye pillows, though.

Alleviating pressure

Yoga is fun, but we all know that it can get hard sometimes. There are many poses, and keeping them going can eventually hurt your wrists. The best way to help lessen the pain is to alter your poses so you're not putting much pressure on your wrists. For example, popping the heel of your hand onto an eye pillow and elevating your wrist will take away most of the pressure dramatically.

Right before sleeping, in combination with Lavender

Introducing the Sacky Thyme Eye Pillow, a perfect addition to your daily sleep routine that can enhance your sleep quality and quantity. Place the Eye Pillow on your face when lying on your back for optimal comfort and relaxation.

 If you prefer a different sleeping position, hold the Eye Pillow in your hand and use a cushion to assist you. It's important to note that the Sacksy Thyme Eye Pillow is not intended for extended use. Instead, use it for 10-15 minutes to promote relaxation before bedtime.

For an added relaxation boost, you can spritz the outer cover of the Eye Pillow with lavender mist. The cover is easily washable, ensuring hygiene is maintained.

Lavender is known for its natural calming properties, making it a great addition to help you relax.

For relieving headaches

The Sacksy Thyme Eye Pillow can effectively alleviate tension and headaches in the head. One of the most effective ways to use the linen Eye Pillow for headache relief is by utilizing its cooling effect.

Place the inner pillow in a sealable plastic bag and put it in the freezer or cool it down in the fridge, depending on how cold you prefer. Then, lie down and apply the cooling eye pillow over your eyes, allowing your eyes to rest and relax. This will provide relief from visual overload and help you feel more comfortable.

 After work to relieve burning eyes caused by excessive screen exposure

Do you experience frequent eye irritation and itchiness? This is often caused by prolonged exposure to computer screens. We recommend using the Sacksy Thyme Linen Eye Pillow to address this issue. It effectively soothes and alleviates the discomfort caused by prolonged computer use. In addition, you can use a warm compress along with the Eye Pillow for an added calming effect.

Weighting in postures

Eye Pillows are also gorgeous for adding weight to postures in a more therapeutic setting. For example, I love placing one onto the lower back in a child's pose, which helps to guide the weight of your bottom back to your heels. It's also gorgeous to pile a couple of them onto the soles of the feet when in legs on the wall.

For relaxation and boosting your mood at any time

Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress? Need a quick break? Lie on the couch for five minutes and breathe deeply with the Sacky Thyme Linen Eye Pillow. It can provide a moment of peace and relaxation during your busy day.

By taking a short break, you can disconnect from your screen and daily demands, which can benefit your mental health. The Sacky Thyme Linen Eye Pillow has calming effects you can feel in just a few minutes.

After using the eye pillow, you can return to your tasks with renewed energy, focus, and a better mood. Taking time for yourself can help to increase productivity and overall happiness.

Wrist support

I'm always close to an eye pillow and have discovered they also make great wrist supports for using your laptop or mouse! For example, fold them in half and place them beneath the base of your wrist. The pressure from the pillow will relieve wrist pain and tension. So there you go – no more achy wrists!

Benefits of Eye Pillows

Eye pillows can offer a variety of benefits, including:

• Relieving eye strain: Eye pillows can help to relieve eye strain caused by prolonged use of computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices. The gentle pressure and darkness can help to relax the muscles around the eyes and reduce fatigue.

• Promoting sleep: Eye pillows can promote sleep by blocking out light and creating a relaxing environment. The gentle pressure can also help to soothe the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.

• Easing inflammation: Eye pillows can help to reduce inflammation and swelling around the eyes, which allergies, injuries, or other conditions can cause. The warmth and pressure can help to improve circulation and reduce discomfort.

• Aromatherapy: Eye pillows filled with herbs like Lavender can provide aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Tips for choosing an eye pillow:

• Choose a filling that you find comfortable: Some people prefer the weight of flax seeds, while others prefer the lighter feel of rice or Lavender.
• Choose a size that fits your face: Eye pillows come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that fits your face comfortably.
• Choose a scent you like: Some eye pillows are filled with Lavender or other calming scents. If you are sensitive to smells, choose an unscented eye pillow.

Eye pillow recommendations

Sacksy Thyme eye pillows are perfect for savasana as they provide just the right amount of support while you lie still and take care of yourself. They can be personalized with any scent you wish, and the scent will always stay true no matter how many days or weeks pass because we use all-natural products in our handmade eye pillows.

About Sacksy Thyme Eye Pillows

Sacksy Thyme offers a high-quality linen eye pillow with 100% cotton fabric. In addition, the pillow is filled with natural, organic golden flaxseed harvested from farms in the United States' northern region. You can personalize your pillow by choosing from a range of essential oils and dried herbs or opt for an unscented pillow if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Our aromatherapy blend is made of natural ingredients and is a great option for those looking to enhance their relaxation experience. The pillow has a removable and washable cover to ensure optimal hygiene. It measures approximately 8" x 4". Please follow the care tag instructions provided for proper maintenance and washing. To learn more about our aromatherapy options.