Stanisland Magazine

Brief eye closure can evoke feelings of calmness, boost brain power and increase creativity

Last updated: 29th May 2025

We all think we know how to relax, and there are a million and one ways to do so. But our preferences are largely based on subjective biases that all boil down to what we’ve experienced in life.

But there is one thing we all have in common: we do it for split seconds throughout the day—closing our eyes.

Shutting our eyes is so powerful that there’s no reason to avoid it. It can bring a wealth of health benefits, and the best thing about this is you can practice it anywhere, within reason of course.

1. Heightened Sensory Perception

Who doesn’t love music? But did you know that closing your eyes when listening to your favourite piece (or any piece, for that matter) can heighten your emotional response to it. Doing this activates a part of the brain called the ‘amygdala,’ which is responsible for regulating our emotions.

Of course, this all depends on you and the music you’re listening to. Some studies have shown that music can be more effective in particular scenarios. It also helps to force a happy emotion, and that the sounds you’re listening to are sonically positive.

2. Visual Hallucinations

You’ve probably experienced this next one but never really thought about it. Closing your eyelids prompts the brain to create a visual experience known as ‘phosphenes.’ This phenomenon appears as various colours and patterns, dancing around without purpose, and it’s largely catalysed by neural activity present within the brain. It is also known as an entoptic phenomena—I myself experienced a rather intense one when locked into an MRI machine. Though I’m not sure if there is a correlation between the two.

This is probably as close as we will come to visualising neurons firing off in all manner and forms, and it offers an indirect window into how our brains function. Either way, it is an entertaining visual to experience when attempting to zone out for a few minutes.

3. An Improved Memory Recall

You’ve probably watched a similar scene in a movie, where the protagonist is trying to recall moments from years ago—but it really does work, according to a study carried out by researchers at the University of Surrey.

Testing 178 subjects in two experiments, each of them viewed a short video of an electrician entering a house. Asked to remember events of what happened, the closed-eyed participants correctly answered 75% of the questions compared to the 41% who had their eyes open. However, the former was assessed as having better rapport with their interviewer.

4. It Is A Proven Way To Relax

Despite it being obvious to say the least, we often overlook the simplest of personal remedies. While it is not a substitute for sleep, closing your eyes can relax and calm your mind and improve your mood.

Closing your eyes also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is tasked with relaxing the body after moments of stress.

Another perk of practicing some shut eye regularly is that you might lower your blood pressure and slow your heart rate. This is particularly helpful in high-stress situations. Furthermore, if you’re a creative, it can also increase efficiency, boost creativity and motivation.

5. Improved Cognitive Function

One more reward for shutting your eyes is that it can improve cognitive function.

In a study published in Nature, participants were 1.6 times more likely to come up with ideas than those who didn’t close their eyes.

Takeaway

While resting your eyes in a state of quiet wakefulness is beneficial for your health, it is not a substitute for sleep, as it can in fact boost alertness.

Instead, the practice of regularly closing your eyes throughout the day should be seen as a way to enhance mental clarity, boost your mood and productivity.

How To Get Started?

Our modern world is plagued by attention zapping gadgets, and they’re designed from blueprint to box with that in mind. Everything from the shape of a smartphone to the user interface is carefully crafted to snare your time.

If you’re looking to start closing your eyes for moments at a time, begin with 10 seconds, then gradually build this into a practice you can do anywhere. You can then increase this and perhaps incorporate it as part of a productive ritual at home, or for work.