Headspace, the provider of the worlds most accessible, comprehensive mental health system, andNexus Studios, an award-winning global studio in film and experience design, today released an immersive reality experience calledHeadspace XR, available exclusively in the Meta Quest Store. A first-of-its-kind, immersive playground for the mind,Headspace XRincorporates both mixed and virtual reality experiences, including mood-boosting games, one-on-one guided meditations, and techniques to help users strengthen their mind-body connection through movement and breathwork.

Headspace XRwas designed to engage younger generations particularly Gen Z with mindfulness and meditation tools through a new and innovative medium. According to astudyconducted by Gallup and Meta, a quarter of adults worldwide feel very or fairly lonely. Younger generations (ages 19-29) feel loneliness more acutely, with 27 percent reporting they feel very or fairly lonely. Additionally, a recent analysis of NHS data byThe Independent showed that one in five 8 to 25 year olds have a probable mental health disorder in 2024, up from one in eight in 2017. This age demographic is at a critical juncture of learning how to build lifelong mental health habits. With the extended reality activities in Headspace XR, players can learn how to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their everyday lives, while also participating in positive socialisation and community building with their friends.

Research showsthat when humans play, our brains are activated in a way that can impact overall life satisfaction and emotional well being. Unfortunately, our day-to-day lives are often stripped of this opportunity, said Sara Cohen, vice president of content creation at Headspace. Together with Meta and Nexus Studios, were thrilled to combine the power of play with meditation and mindfulness in an immersive experience that also allows you to build community by engaging in Headspace XR together with your friends.

Later this year, Headspace will conduct a randomised control trial to evaluate how Headspace XR helps people with social health and connection, as well as perceived and objective stress, at Virginia Tech. The study aims to explore the direct mental health benefits of mindfulness in virtual environments, specifically providing evidence supporting the effectiveness of using Headspace in the metaverse. This will also contribute to the scientific exploration of the applicability of immersive reality in the future of digital health.

For Meta Quest owners, Headspace XR is a single or multiplayer experience designed to help users:

Players keep saying to us, I didnt know mindfulness could be like this! We love that theyre getting to experience the benefits of these science-based mindfulness techniques while having fun and spending time with friends, said Deborah Casswell, executive creative director, Nexus Studios. This response really encapsulates our ambition for the project. Nexus Studios took the best of the Quest platform its social, immersive, playful qualities and reimagined Headspaces powerful mindfulness techniques for a younger audience.

Headspace XR, developed by Nexus Studios and published by Headspace, is available in English on Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro beginning March 6, 2024, in single and multiplayer Immersive 360 formats. Headspace XR will be available for 22.99 as a one-time purchase. The experience is rated E (Everyone).

To try out Headspace XR for yourself, visit theMeta Quest Store.

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HEADSPACE LAUNCHES IMMERSIVE MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION APP - Tech & Digital - Verge Magazine