In 2016, the World Health Organization classified stress as the most significant health epidemic of the 21st century. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, reported stress, anxiety, and depression rates have substantially risen worldwide. Anxiety is often linked with substance use disorders. Many who suffer from anxiety disorders turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve their symptoms. While this form of self-medication can provide temporary relief, ultimately, it only exacerbates the problem. One of the most beneficial ways to alleviate anxiety is through meditation. One of the most modern ways to meditate is to utilize technology, as with the virtual reality meditation program at Westwind Recovery®.
While technology is often cited as one of the significant contributors to stress today, it is also becoming part of the solution for anxiety and addiction therapy. As part of our commitment to remaining at the forefront of advances in addiction treatment, we are proud to offer virtual reality meditation therapy at Westwind Recovery®. Call us today to learn more about this exciting new treatment and how it can help your recovery.
What Are the Benefits of Meditation for Anxiety?
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Originally used to develop a deeper understanding of the unknown sacred forces of life, meditation today is mainly used as a relaxation technique to reduce stress and anxiety. Anyone can practice meditation no matter where there are. During the process, the goal is to focus your attention to clear the mind of jumbled or racing thoughts, decrease negativity, and make a calm connection between the body and mind.
Meditation provides a sense of calm and balance that benefits your emotional well-being and overall health. When you meditate, you clear out the information overload that builds up and raises levels of stress. Meditation helps you focus on the present moment instead of reliving the past or worrying about the future. Other significant benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Developing skills to manage stress
- Gaining new perspectives
- Increasing self-awareness
- Decreasing negative thoughts and feelings
- Increasing tolerance and patience
- Managing symptoms of chronic illness
- Decreasing cravings
Studies show that meditation is proven effective across all demographics and that the positive effects of a meditation practice carry with you throughout the day.
How Does Virtual Reality Meditation Work?
While technology is cited as a significant source of modern-day anxiety, it is also becoming part of the solution. In the past several years, more American adults and children report practicing mindfulness techniques than ever before. That said, one of the most common complaints about meditation is feeling unable to tune out the distractions around you. It is better to follow a guided meditation to help get used to the process when beginning the practice. In virtual reality meditation, the experience can be personalized and precise, making the learning curve easier. Also, wearing the headset helps you feel genuinely transported and able to focus without outside distractions. At Westwind Recovery®, we work with the virtual reality pioneers at TRIPP to offer this groundbreaking technology to our clients.
When clients experience lower levels of stress and anxiety, they can better focus on their treatment goals and have better outcomes. Of course, our virtual reality meditation program is only one part of comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment. Some of the other holistic and evidence-based therapy options we offer include:
- Trauma therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Family therapy
- Life skills training programs
- Behavioral therapies
Reach Out to Westwind Recovery® to Learn More About Reducing Anxiety Through Meditation
Today we have more technology in the world than ever. While the bombardment of information we receive through our devices and the increased pressure to keep up with technology has contributed to our higher levels of stress and anxiety, pioneers in the industry have made incredible breakthroughs in utilizing technology to benefit our well-being.
Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles is proud to offer a virtual reality meditation program to help our clients alleviate stress and anxiety, giving them the ability to focus on their treatment and recovery without distractions. To learn more about meditation for anxiety and our treatment programs, reach out to us today at 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
