Research

Research about music, different meditations, and space was necessary. Every detail within the game, from different meditation guides to how strong the light is, are considered based on research. Below is the summary of the overall research that was conducted to finalize the game.

Music and Stress Relief

Faster music boosts alertness and focus, while slower music relaxes muscles and calms the mind.

Listening to music around 60 beats per minute can generate alpha brain waves, associated with relaxation. For sleep, calming music for 45 minutes is recommended to induce delta brain waves.

Power of Music

According to the University of Nevada, Reno, upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day.

Music is effective for relaxation and stress management. Research confirms these personal experiences with music.

According to Calm, music can help moderate your heart rate, activate the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the ‘rest and digest’ system), and reduce your cortisol levels.

You can bring yourself back to a state of calm simply by listening to some of your favorite tunes.

Benefits of Music

Music helps with anxiety, mental health, calming the brain, lowering heart rate, and blood pressure. Instrumental music for 30 minutes daily reduces stress levels for 74% of participants in a study by the British Academy of Sound Therapy.

Music has a powerful impact on reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Research has shown that listening to calm and soothing music can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, while promoting the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and relaxation. Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Nevada, Reno found that listening to music resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety levels among participants. While other factors may contribute to stress reduction, such as mindfulness and exercise, music is a readily accessible and cost-effective strategy that can be easily incorporated into daily routines for immediate calming effects.

Guidance for Music Listening Programs

Meditation

Meditation helps calm the mind and body, reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. Regular practice can increase mindfulness, promote better sleep, and boost the immune system. Taking just a few minutes a day to meditate can lead to greater self-awareness and a more balanced, peaceful state of mind.

Benefits of Meditation

Emotional Health

Meditation has been shown to improve emotional well-being by fostering a more positive outlook and reducing symptoms of depression. Research suggests that mindfulness meditation, in particular, helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, promoting greater emotional regulation. This awareness can lead to decreased negative thinking patterns and an overall increase in life satisfaction.

Sleep Quality

Many people struggle with insomnia or restless sleep due to stress and anxiety. Meditation, especially practices like mindfulness and guided visualization, can help reduce these issues. By calming the mind and focusing on the present moment, meditation helps individuals fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. Studies show that meditation can enhance melatonin production and reduce the time spent in wakefulness during the night.

Immune Function

Meditation has a positive impact on the immune system. Regular practice can increase the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections and illnesses. Meditation also reduces inflammatory responses in the body, helping to manage autoimmune disorders and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Self-Awareness and Mindfulness

Meditation encourages self-awareness by promoting reflection and introspection. It allows individuals to observe their thoughts and habits without judgment, helping them identify and change behaviors that may be unproductive or harmful. This heightened sense of awareness fosters personal growth and greater empathy for others.

How to Meditate

Find a quiet place to sit.

Set a time limit (5-10 minutes if you're new).

Notice your body’s position.

Focus on your breathing.

Return attention to breathing if the mind wanders.

Be kind to your wandering thoughts.

Close with awareness of your surroundings.

Room Setup for Stress Relief

For working at home, the organization of space affects lighting and temperature, which influence comfort.

Good lighting for working is 350-500 lux, while 120 lux is ideal for rest. Proper lighting helps reduce eye strain and improve focus.

Benefits of Room Setup for Stress Relief

Lighting and its Impact on Relaxation and Focus

In addition to the lighting levels that was previously mentioned (350-500 lux for working and 120 lux for resting), research suggests that the color temperature of light also plays a crucial role in influencing mood and productivity. Cooler, bluish light (5000-6500K) is ideal for workspaces as it mimics daylight and enhances alertness, focus, and productivity. In contrast, warmer light (2700-3000K) is better suited for relaxation and unwinding, as it promotes the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles.

Circadian Lighting

Circadian lighting systems, which simulate natural light changes throughout the day, have been shown to enhance mood, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress. Exposure to bright, natural light during the day, followed by dimmer, warmer lighting in the evening, helps the body maintain its natural rhythms, promoting relaxation when needed.

Color Psychology

Color plays a powerful role in creating a relaxing atmosphere. Cool colors, such as light blues, greens, and soft purples, have been associated with relaxation and reduced anxiety. These colors can trigger feelings of peace and tranquility, making them ideal for virtual spaces designed to reduce stress. On the other hand, neutral colors, such as beige and light gray, can provide a calming backdrop that doesn't overwhelm the senses, which is important for virtual environments.