panoramic vision

Panoramic vision refers to a state where the aperture of our visual field is expanded. This occurs naturally when we are relaxed, allowing us to perceive a wider area of our environment without actively moving our eyes or head. This expanded field of view, both horizontally and vertically, can help reduce stress and increase our awareness of the environment, turning off some of the attentional and stress mechanisms that often keep us in a more focused, "soda straw" view which is common during times of stress or intense focus.

Dr. Andrew Huberman describes this process and its effects on our overall experience and perception. He notes that this phenomenon is bi-directional; just as our state of stress or relaxation can influence our vision, actively engaging in panoramic vision by trying to see as much of our environment as possible can help shift us from a state of heightened alertness to one of relaxation. This technique is beneficial for managing stress and can be engaged in any setting to help shift our internal state 1 2.