Mindfulness in the metaverse: Headspace XR is a virtual playground for your mind

When you put on your Meta Quest headset, you’re instantly transported into the vibrant world of Headspace XR. You’ll be welcomed by the balloon-shaped Moodstream, which asks, “how are you feeling?” and recommends Headspace XR experiences based on your mood. As you explore the experience, you’ll always have the option to go back to the Moodstream and update/change your mood and journey as you go.

In the center of the map you’ll find the Blue Sky Tower that visually tracks your Blue Sky Journey. By engaging with more activities and exercises throughout the world, you'll unlock new experiences stored within the Tower.

The map is divided into three territories: The Energy Dome, The Playground, and The Hideout.

• The Power Up experience in the Energy Dome is designed to boost your energy through fun movement and performance.
• The Playground is for letting off steam and getting creative — by yourself or with friends. The Paint Wall, Hoops Court, and Club House games are great for single and multiplayer modes.
• The Hideout is for winding down and reflecting. Relaxing meditation exercises like body scans and box breathing are incorporated into activities within the Bonfire, Firefly Treehouse, Boxy Treehouse, and Coloring Mural.

All of these in-app experiences are led by the soothing voices of Headspace’s mindfulness and meditation teachers, Kessonga and Dora.

Mixed reality describes experiences that blend digital content with your physical space, and ones that are fully immersive. In Headspace XR, your Quest headset immerses you in VR while guiding you through activities and physical exercises that can be applied to real life. Mixed reality experiences found within the app include Quiet Your Inner Voice, Take a Beat, and Quick Breaths.

Headspace XR leans into the power of play and its effectiveness in mindfulness and meditation. Research shows that when humans — and all mammals — play, their brains are activated in a way that can change neuron connections in the prefrontal cortex, which impact emotional regulation and problem-solving. Play can also release chemicals in the brain, including oxytocin (which helps regulate emotions and supports social skills) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter that impacts memory, motivation, attention and mood).

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 in single and multiplayer immersive 360 formats. Headspace XR is available for $19.99 as a one-time purchase. The experience is rated E for Everyone.

To try Headspace XR for yourself, visit the Meta Quest Store.