This practice is known as hand mudras and can be used alone or in conjunction with yoga or meditation. Any picture you may have seen of the Buddha always shows him demonstrating a hand mudra, which relays a specific type of message--fearlessness, teacher, serenity or grace, among others.
In her book, "Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands," Gertrud Hirschi, tells how you can do these hand gestures and benefit from their surprisingly effective power. They are excellent distractions when you're waiting in line, stuck in traffic, or on hold--but more importantly, if you just don't have the energy to get up and go, these simple movements just might give you the jump start you need.
I have a couple of simple ones you might want to try. The first one is for burning or dry eyes. Place the tip of your thumb and little finger together. Extend the other fingers in a relaxed way. Do this with both hands, practicing three times a day for 5 minutes each.
The second is if you find yourself in that state of no energy. Make the gesture as if you were indicating the number four. Put the tip of your thumb at the base of the little finger and slowly encircle your thumbs with the other four fingers while slowly inhaling through your nose. Hold your breath, then exhale, opening your hand and imagining your worries leaving your body. Repeat this at least seven times.
If you'd like to read more about mudras, the book is Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands, by Gertrud Hirschi. We'll list it on our website in case your hands are busy right now.