How to meditate and relax the subject of Netflix, HBO Max shows amid wave of entertainment targeting the stressed, anxious - and just curious
- ‘Calmtainment’ is not new, but the idea has taken root recently as a result of the pandemic and a rise in mental health issues
- While some experts say on-screen meditation guides can be a good way to introduce people to the practice, they also highlight the importance of a good teacher
The pandemic has seen a rise in mental health issues around the world. In Hong Kong, a 2020 study revealed that stress levels in the city rose by 28 per cent and anxiety symptoms by 42 per cent compared to data from 2016 and 2017.
The media has become saturated with advice on how to keep anxiety and depression at bay. A new well-being activity has surfaced as a result: “calmtainment”, the combination of calm and entertainment, where major entertainment platforms launch content to help their audiences achieve mindfulness and self-care.
One of the most prominent examples of calmtainment is Headspace Guide to Meditation, a collaboration between Netflix and meditation specialist company Headspace, known for its app of the same name. It launched on January 1 – just in time for the masses to pledge meditation as their New Year’s resolution.
The eight-part series is narrated by Headspace founder Andy Puddicombe and includes the basics of meditation as well as specific guidelines, such as for developing compassion, letting go and achieving “your limitless potential”.
