International Self-Care day is upon us, and in a fast-paced world, it is ever more important to ensure we take a step back and focus on our wellbeing. Technology continues to advance and with that comes new tools and applications to help manage our stress, improve our mental health, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at how the world of AR and VR can transform our self care and general wellbeing.

VR and Self-Care

Virtual reality is already beginning to transport us to locations that aid in relaxing the mind and body, providing a stress-free environment. Apps like Tripp provide hundreds of experiences that guide you through breathwork, aid your sleep and focus the mind.
Similarly, we have developed our own Zen experience, using a motion seat to gently guide you through a mystical forest. True 3D sound, digital hands and scent all combined aid in the immersive experience to ensure you feel as close to the calming environment as possible.

VR is also being applied in therapeutic settings for treating mental health conditions, such as anxiety or PTSD. For example, XRHealth are providing a whole range of solutions for stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

We have also delved into the world of mindfulness with our VR 360 video captures featuring calming nature scenes. Originally produced for HMPS (His Majesty’s Prison Service), it allows users to immerse themselves in serene landscapes, offering a digital escape from their surroundings and thus promoting a calmer environment. By integrating elements of mindfulness and relaxation, these VR experiences aim to reduce stress and promote mental well-being, making them an excellent addition to any self-care routine.

Lets not forget the use of VR for fitness and physical wellbeing – apps like Beat Saber which make exercise more fun by adding rhythm and interaction. There are a wide range of VR applications for boxing, meditation or dance so there is something for everybody.

Similarly to the VR space, there are also a few apps out there using AR to aid exercise and fitness, such as FYTER on the Apple app store.

Also in the realm of self-care is looking after your physical appearance. Tools like Virtual Try On by L’oréal Paris and ModiFace allow you to try on their products without breaking the bank and aiding in finding the right look for you, boosting your self confidence and mental wellbeing.

Your own Self-Care Routine

Here is a brief step by step of updating your self-care routine with the help of AR and VR.

1. Identify needs – You probably know what areas of self-care to focus on; it could be fitness, skincare, mindfulness, or just daily habits like brushing your teeth.
2. Choose the Right apps and tools – Not all the recommendations we discussed will fit, and there are so many applications available. Check reviews, find user-friendly interfaces and features that support your needs. And of course, you may still find your traditional solution fits better that the AR/VR option available at the moment.
3. Set up the environment – As always, if you are using AR or VR applications, ensure you have enough space to keep things safe, yourself comfortable and with minimal distractions to get the most out of the self-care routine. We want to ensure we are helping your wellbeing, not hindering it.
4. Integrate into the routine – Try and take some of these selected solutions into your daily and weekly routines. For example, use an app for mindfulness, like TRIPP, when you need 10 minutes to take a break.
5. Assess and adjust – try and maintain these routines for some time to get a good assessment of what is working for you. If it doesn’t fit well, don’t hesitate to try a new application and move on. The goal is to find a routine you can continue to use regularly.

Conclusion

AR and VR solutions offer new ways to enhance your self-care. From fitness to mindfulness, AR can make the whole routine more personalised and enjoyable. For this International Self-Care Day, embrace the new and discover how AR and VR can help you achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle.