Breathing Exercise

Breathing Exercise is an interactive, virtual reality experience designed to help patients reduce anxiety and manage stress through a guided practice of the 7-5-8 breathing technique. With proven benefits for relaxation and stress relief, this simple yet effective breathing exercise is enhanced with immersive visuals and audio guidance to help patients focus and stay engaged in the process.

In the Breathing Exercise experience, patients are guided through the 7-5-8 technique, which involves inhaling for 7 seconds, holding the breath for 5 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. This rhythmic breathing pattern helps to calm the mind and relax the body, making it particularly useful during moments of heightened stress or anxiety. To further enhance the experience, the virtual environment provides soothing visuals and audio cues, allowing patients to fully immerse themselves in the practice and maintain their focus on each breath.

Research supports the effectiveness of controlled breathing exercises, such as the 7-5-8 technique, in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation (1). By incorporating interactivity and virtual reality technology, Breathing Exercise offers a novel approach to this widely-used practice, making it more engaging and accessible for patients in need of stress relief and relaxation.

References:

Ma, X., Yue, Z. Q., Gong, Z. Q., Zhang, H., Duan, N. Y., Shi, Y. T., ... & Li, Y. F. (2017). The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 874.

With its immersive environment and interactive design, Breathing Exercise empowers patients to take control of their stress and anxiety by engaging in a proven relaxation technique, all within the captivating and supportive context of a virtual reality experience.