Context of Practice: Screen Based Media and Meditation

I started to consider how difficult it would actually be to access VR regularly or even at all especially in the way I want to explore it for medical purposes, so I think I should include this in my essay but not make it the main focal point. A more broad accessible approach would be to look into all screen based media, as I had the idea of creating an app as my final outcome to accompany my essay as this would be doable for me as I'd have to collaborate to create a video game which I feel would be interesting but I'd loose control of the outcome somewhat.

The aim would be therefore to create an app that would be used in cases of panic attacks, to alleviate stress and help soothe people in stressful situations. I meditate myself and think including such methods would be useful especially in terms of audio, I have sleeping problems and anxiety and find listening to Binaural beats before I sleep as well as guided meditation tapes will help alleviate stresses and thoughts experienced throughout the day and enables me to sleep. Doing so has not only reduced my sleep paralysis and repetitive nightmares but helped in areas I didn't expect like soothing my back ache and contributing towards better overall mood and energy.

My favourite guided meditation to sleep to and binaural beats:

Another aspect to look into when researching these as featured in the guided visualisation is Chakra cleansing and how spirituality can arguably play a part in mental health treatment. I originally was sceptical, thinking 'chakra's' were hippy nonsense in all honesty, but since physically and mentally seeing the benefits it would be nice for me to include this in my app as I've had first hand experience of the benefits. I'm aware of course this isn't a comparison to psychotherapy but that's not the aim of the app, it's more of a quick fix, that in the long term can be more of a habit that may have long term benefits but due to the nature of medium (being on a small screen) this like most other apps used for gaming, social media platforms and so on is as easily accessible on the go, a relaxant in your pocket.

I personally don't use meditation apps as I only meditate at night and use my laptop, I will however try out some of these apps and pinpoint any specific criteria I should.

Leading Meditation Apps Include:

Headspace