Overcoming Motion Sickness in VR: 11 Tips to Keep You Playing
Virtual reality (VR) is an amazing new technology that allows us to experience new worlds and interact with them in ways that were never before possible. However, for some people, VR can also cause motion sickness. This is because VR can trick our brains into thinking that we are moving, even when we are not. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
If you are one of the people who gets motion sickness in VR, there are a few things you can do to help combat it. Here are some tips:
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Start slowly. When you first start using VR, it is important to start slowly. Don't try to play for hours at a time right away. Start with short sessions of 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the amount of time you spend in VR as you get used to it. Over time, you'll build up a tolerance and be able to handle more extended playtimes and more intense games.
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Take breaks. Taking regular breaks can help prevent motion sickness and alleviate any symptoms you may experience. If you start feeling dizzy or nauseous, stop playing and take a break. Go for a walk or grab a glass of water. Taking a few minutes to relax and refocus can do wonders for reducing motion sickness symptoms.
- Choose the right games: Not all VR games are created equal when it comes to motion sickness. Some games are more intense than others and may trigger nausea more easily. Experiment with different games to see which ones work best for you. Games with slower movement and less intense action are often easier on the stomach. In the beginning it might be it best to avoid games that involve a lot of motion, such as racing games or first-person shooters.
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Use comfort settings. Many VR games come with comfort settings designed to reduce motion sickness. These settings can include reducing the field of view, slowing down movement, and adding visual cues to the screen. Experiment with these settings to see what works best for you.
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Try ginger and ginger supplements. Ginger is a natural remedy for motion sickness. You can take ginger capsules, eat ginger candy, or drink ginger ale.
- Focus on a Fixed Point. When playing VR games, try to focus on a fixed point in the virtual environment. Avoid looking around too much, especially if the game involves a lot of movement. Focusing on a stationary object can help your brain adjust to the movement and reduce the risk of motion sickness.
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Avoid eating or drinking before using VR. Having food or liquid in your stomach can make you more susceptible to motion sickness.
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Stay hydrated. Dehydration can also make you more prone to motion sickness.
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Don't use VR if you are tired or have a cold. Both of these conditions can make you more susceptible to motion sickness.
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If you start to feel sick, take a break from VR and get some fresh air. Don't try to push through the sickness, as this can make it worse.
- If you are still having trouble with motion sickness, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe medication to help you.
In addition to these tips, there are a few other things you can do to help reduce motion sickness in VR. First, make sure that your VR headset is fitted properly. If it is too tight or too loose, it can make you feel dizzy. Second, make sure that the lighting in the room where you are using VR is bright. Dim lighting can make it more difficult for your eyes to adjust to the VR environment. Finally, if you are still having trouble with motion sickness, you may want to try using a fan or some other form of white noise in the background. This can help to mask any motion that you may be feeling in VR.
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I hope these tips help you to combat motion sickness in VR. Remember, everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different tips and find what works best for you. And most importantly, don't give up on VR! It is an amazing technology that is worth experiencing.