Finding Solace in Virtual Reality
Introduction to a New Reality
I’ve been feeling very disconnected from reality recently, but thankfully, virtual reality is keeping me grounded. It doesn’t make any sense, but slipping on a plastic cowl and entering one other dimension has been working wonders for my mental and physical health. Both of those spinning plates are susceptible to crashing to the bottom under current measures, but grafting virtual reality into my every day routine has helped me to realize a way of control inside the mayhem.
The Impact of Lockdown on Mental and Physical Health
We’re under local lockdown where I live, and I made a decision to cancel my gym membership months ago when the pandemic first reared its ugly head. For me, heading to the gym was more about self-care than it was about results. Being capable of leave my house – also referred to as the office – and go somewhere for just a few hours to get out of my very own head was something I depended upon, so being stripped of that luxury was tricky to cope with. I had tried to copy that feeling at home with weights and an old exercise bike, but ultimately it began to feel like one other job.
Discovering Virtual Reality as a Solution
The Thrill Of The Fight is a virtual reality boxing game that I’ve had in my Steam library for years. I’ve never boxed in my life, nor did I ever really have any intention to, which is why it’s such a shock that I now go three rounds day-after-day. In spite of the frankly terrifying face models, the sport pulls me into the current moment and clears my head very easily. The haptics within the controllers give you adequate force feedback in order that you are feeling such as you’re actually hitting something, due to this fact doling out proper punches come more naturally as you begin to adapt to the in-game AI.
Exploring Other Virtual Reality Options
For cardio, I exploit a comparatively latest game called Stride, which I caught wind of after the electronic producer Porter Robinson began streaming it on Twitch. In the most straightforward terms possible, Stride is Mirror’s Edge in virtual reality, or as close as we’re going to get to it for now. You run by waving your hands by your side and should physically pull yourself up and over platforms, running the gauntlet with a Glock in your armpit to take out goons. The game launched into early access on September 4 and only has one countless mode in the intervening time, but I’ve already sunk hours into it.
The Benefits of Virtual Reality for Mental Health
As well as being one other great cardio workout in VR, Beat Saber has now develop into a processing tool for my brain. As my arms deal with the notes, my mind tends to drift and work out the fear kinks in my head, helping me achieve a way of clarity and give you ideas. There’s something vital about with the ability to actively engage with music moderately than simply let it flow into your ears passively. Thrashing to the beat of a song might be cathartic but additionally strangely emotional.
Virtual Reality Mindfulness
But so far as VR mindfulness is worried, I only have two words for you: Tetris Effect. I exploit this game to chill down after a workout, and despite the actual fact I should have beat it three or 4 times, it’s still such a robust tool for dispatching emotion through vicious frisson. Heralded by Tetsuya Mizuguchi of Rez and Lumines fame, Tetris Effect deals in synaesthesia; the gorgeous marriage of visual stimuli with rigorously crafted music courtesy of composer duo Hydelic.
Overcoming the Cost Barrier
The only problem with recommending virtual reality as a way of mindful escape is the costly barrier of entry. You often need a high-end PC and an expensive head-mounted display to get in on the motion. Production of entry-level devices just like the Lenovo Explorer appear to have stopped, but more accessible budget options are beginning to crop up. The recently-launched Oculus Quest 2 offers a tetherless window to the world of virtual reality for £299.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virtual reality has been a game-changer for my mental and physical health. From the extreme workouts of The Thrill Of The Fight and Stride to the mindfulness of Beat Saber and Tetris Effect, there is a big selection of options available to suit every need. While the fee of entry could also be a barrier for some, the advantages of virtual reality make it well price considering. With more cost-effective options becoming available, it’s an exciting time to explore the world of virtual reality and discover its potential for improving our lives.
