The Science of Closing Your Eyes in Yoga: Why It Helps You Focus, Reset, and Flow

21 hours ago

Why Yogis Begin With Eyes Closed

If you’ve taken a yoga class, you’ve probably noticed: the teacher often invites you to close your eyes at the very start of practice. At first, it may feel strange — shouldn’t we be watching what’s happening? But here’s the thing: there’s real science behind this cue, and it might be one of the most powerful ways to connect with your practice.

What Happens in the Brain When You Close Your Eyes

Research shows that even brief eye closure significantly shifts brain activity:

Alpha waves increase in the occipital region (the part of your brain responsible for visual processing). This is associated with calm focus and inward attention.
Visual distractions decrease, allowing other senses — like touch, proprioception (your body’s awareness of where it is in space), and breath — to become more dominant.
One study found that eye closure enhances somatosensory perception, meaning you literally feel your body more accurately when your eyes are closed.

In short: closing your eyes quiets the outside world and amplifies the inside one.

Why This Matters for Your Yoga Practice

In yoga — especially heated classes where mirrors, music, and movement can overwhelm the senses — this shift has big benefits:

Deeper connection to breath: Without external distractions, the sound and rhythm of your breath becomes your anchor.
Greater body awareness: You feel alignment and subtle shifts, instead of watching yourself or others.
Less comparison, more presence: Eyes closed = no mirrors, no glances at neighbors, just you on your mat.
A mental reset: This small act signals the brain that you’re stepping into a new mode — from the chaos of daily life to the calm of practice.

How to Try It in Class

If you want to experiment, try this simple sequence at the start of your next flow:

Child’s Pose with Eyes Closed — Notice your breath expand into your back body.
Cat/Cow with Eyes Closed — Feel the spine ripple without watching it.
Half Sun Salutation with Eyes Closed — Arms rise and fold with only your teacher’s cues and your breath.
Open your eyes before balance poses or standing sequences for stability and safety.

Pro tip: This technique works best in familiar flows or warm-ups. Save open eyes for newer or complex sequences.

The Role of Gear in Your “Eyes Closed” Practice

Here’s the thing: when you close your eyes, you rely on touch and stability more than ever. If your mat or towel slips, bunches, or distracts you — you’ll pop right out of that internal focus.

That’s exactly why we designed Unalome Yoga Towels:

44% more silicone grip than the industry standard = no slipping, even in heat.
Ultra-absorbent microfiber keeps you grounded and dry.
Eco-conscious materials align with mindful living.
Beautiful designs that inspire — even if your eyes are closed.

When your gear supports you, it’s easier to drop in, stay present, and truly flow.

Closing Thought: A Practice Within the Practice

Yoga isn’t about what you see — it’s about what you feel. Closing your eyes at the beginning of class is an invitation to step inward, tune out the noise, and trust your body.

This National Yoga Month (or any time you step on the mat), try it: spend the first few minutes with eyes closed, guided only by your teacher’s voice and your own breath. Notice how differently you show up for the rest of practice.

Ready to feel the difference in your flow? Shop Unalome Towels and discover your new practice essential.