Free soothing image base will improve mental health

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) have created an image database to improve mental health. The healing online gallery is available as part of the free application CogniCare. This resource was previously created to support people suffering from dementia. Specialists believe that access to hundreds of pictures, which cause positive emotions, will help to improve mental health of dementia patients, their families and help to overcome stress in any person.

The "Soothing Photo Bank" is formed based on feedback from online users in 40 countries. Visitors to Project Soothe, a resource aimed at helping people overcome stress, are offered to choose the option of reacting to this or that image. To date, the database includes over two hundred images that promote relaxation. These are mainly landscapes, photos of animals, sky and water bodies.

The user of the application can choose your favorite themes and colors, and then view the images in the slideshow mode. The creators of the photo bank note that viewing images from the photo bank helps to improve the mood and emotional well-being of people, which positively affects their mental health.

- It is known that a person's ability to soothe themselves in difficult times helps them stay healthy," explains Project Soothe manager Dr. Stella Chan. - However, many people find it rather difficult to imagine calming images on their own, especially in a state of anxiety and stress. This is what the image bank will do.

Photo: up.deskcity.org