The advantage of VR technology is the freedom to design spaces and experiences. The virtual space can be created as the creator intends, and its elements can be customized. The virtual environment can be deliberately designed to induce relaxation and induce a positive mood. The advantage of a virtual environment is the ability to control the prevailing conditions, which is more difficult to do in reality. The virtual environment avoids unforeseen and disruptive phenomena that can occur in the real world that interfere with the experience of relaxation.
Virtual detachment
Real-life surroundings generally abound with a large number of stimuli, and intense sensations lead to nervous system overload, fatigue and irritability. Excessive stress is a common affliction of city dwellers, who have to face stressors such as noise, lack of greenery and being in crowded spaces. The natural need is to look for places conducive to relaxation and, if they are unavailable, to create places with calming qualities. Contact with nature can be a natural mood regulator, but under certain circumstances it becomes limited (work requirements, mobility restrictions, weather conditions). VR technology makes it possible to evoke the impression of being in a favorable environment that is not available at the moment. Virtual Reality provides a quick break from everyday life and redirects attention to the virtual environment. The relaxing VR TierOne GO goggles provide relaxation in a favorable virtual environment, with natural background sound or music tailored to the scenery. The VR environments included in the VR TierOne GO goggles have a relaxing effect and promote a positive mood. Virtual detachment brings a sense of relief, not least because it allows you to escape the stresses of the outside world. Encountering virtual nature relaxes, promotes self-reflection and increases self-awareness, and this helps avoid harmful stress reactions in everyday life and behaviors that do not serve health.
Positive mood
Mood is understood as a general mental state that persists over a long period of time. It is dependent on external and internal factors. Mood is subject to regulation and modulation, so it can be changed and adapted to the situation. It is natural for mood to fluctuate subtly, but there are ways to raise or lower it. A pleasant emotional experience can introduce a positive mood. Pathological states reduce the ability to get out of a negative mood, there is a reduced sensitivity to positive experiences. For example, in depression, which belongs to mood disorders, the regulatory mechanism of mood seems to be abnormal, the cells of certain areas of the brain lose the ability to change, so that the negative mood persists, and the patient cannot quickly recover from it. Depression results in ineffective management of negative mood, and in addition, depressed people tend to use treatments that exacerbate negative mood, e.g., through ruminations (persistent thoughts and analysis focused on negative events), isolation, and activity avoidance. Mood determines mental health, and the efficiency of mood regulation is a determinant of mental well-being. A balanced and stable mood allows for healthy functioning. Inducing a positive mood is important for mental health, increased motivation and better coping with life’s challenges.
Natural landscapes
Modeling and referencing nature in the design of relaxing spaces is instinctive and legitimate, as nature and mental health are intertwined. The natural bond with and love of nature (biophilia) is deeply rooted in humans. Humans have an innate affinity for the natural world and feel comfortable around nature. Maintaining a connection with the natural environment is important for well-being. We feel good when surrounded by nature’s aesthetics, so harnessing the relaxing potential of nature’s landscapes is the right way to create relaxing VR environments. Sight plays a leading role in the perception of virtual experiences. Other senses also become involved in the experience, making it more complete, and the participant in VR goggles experiences the encounter with nature in immersive absorption. The use of TierOne GO VR goggles is the perfect solution when there is no opportunity to directly interact with nature. There are up to 15 different VR environments to choose from. River, waterfall, mountain, valley, forest, beach, lake shore or underwater world are the offered virtual sceneries where you can indulge in relaxation. The frames of VR 360° films are helpful in inducing a positive mood, that is, one tinged with calmness, optimism, joy, contentment, hope, gratitude, satisfaction and tenderness towards oneself as well. Introducing elements of meditation practice, breathing exercises and mindfulness (openness, non-judgment, curiosity, being present, contemplation) into VR videos helps reduce stress and tension. Developing mindfulness is important for preventing and controlling depression. Inducing a positive mood is also enhanced by using a therapeutic narrative to accompany the participant’s virtual relaxation, which promotes the process of mood regulation. Engaging in positive activities such as relaxation helps maintain a positive mood, and this translates into better mental and physical functioning.
