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Lifestyle Mental Health Spirituality

Do Mindfulness Apps Really Work ?

What’s all the hype about?

Woman meditating on a pier

Welcome, fellow seekers of serenity and tranquility, to the great debate surrounding mindfulness apps. In this age of constant connectivity and mindless scrolling, we often find ourselves yearning for a moment of peace amidst the chaos.

Enter mindfulness apps, promising to guide us toward a state of inner bliss with just a few taps on our screens. But the question on everyone’s lips remains: Do these digital gurus of calm truly work, or are they just another swipe-induced illusion?

How Mindfulness Apps have worked for me

Person using singing bowl

I stumbled upon mindfulness apps about 2 years ago. It started with me trying to better manage my stress and create more positive emotions. So I would use different apps, for relaxation sounds, sleep music ( which I still use nightly…faithful) but then it developed into apps to help with mood and introspection.

This led me to meditation apps ( one app which by the way has improved my meditation practice greatly) like Insight Timer. For anyone who has tried mediation knows that you can easily give up in the beginning because calming and silencing your thoughts seems like an impossible feet at first.

So I leaned into guided meditation for as little as 5 min per session here and there and now I do 2 sessions per day and have no problem meditating for at least 45 minutes at a time. I have to give credit to some other mindfulness training apps. It kept me accountable with daily reminders, kept me interested with their wide selections and allowed me to keep track of my progress through different features like mood tracking.

They even helped me to connect with my daughter in more meaningful ways. She would see me meditate, do yoga, journal or go on relaxing walks and she wanted to join me. Many apps nowadays also have kid friendly and kid inspired mindfulness activities which is awesome if they can start at a young age. It helps with emotional regulation, decreased depression and increased empathy.

If nothing else, the number one benefit for me was making time for myself on a regular basis. It helped with serious mental health issues, decreased depression and increased feelings of peace.

Mother and daughter doing yoga

The truth about mindfulness apps

App-tastic Adventures in Mindfulness:

Picture this: You’re sitting cross-legged, phone in hand, ready to embark on a spiritual journey through the virtual realm.

These popular mindfulness app and apps offer a smorgasbord of features, from guided meditations and breathing exercises to reminders that gently nudge you to take a deep breath when life gets a little too real. It’s like having a digital Yoda in your pocket, minus the pointy ears.

The Mindfulness Myth:

Now, before you start downloading every mindfulness app that promises nirvana in a nutshell, let’s address the elephant in the room: Mindfulness is not a quick fix.

It’s not a one-time meditation session or a 30-day challenge that magically transforms you into a Zen master. It’s a lifelong journey, my friend, and these apps are merely tools to help you along the way.

The Upsides:

Women happy and at peace in nature

Let’s give credit where credit is due. Mindfulness apps do have their merits. They can serve as a gentle reminder to slow down and take a breather amidst the chaos of modern life. They offer accessibility to those users who may not have access to traditional mindfulness resources or can’t afford a personal guru named Steve who lives in an isolated mountain cave.

The Downsides:

However, let’s not get too carried away with the hype. Mindfulness apps are not without their quirks. Sometimes the soothing voice guiding you through a meditation sounds more like a robot on Ambient, and other apps the ambient background music can veer dangerously close to the realm of elevator tunes. And let’s not forget the occasional notification that disrupts your flow and reminds you of that new cat video on YouTube.

Mindfulness:

Person reading and drinking tea

Beyond the App-o-sphere: While mindfulness apps work and can be a helpful starting point, true mindfulness lies beyond the realm of screens and gadgets. It’s about being present in the moment, embracing the beauty of the world around us, and not being afraid to unleash our inner weirdness from time to time.

So, let’s not confine ourselves solely to the digital realm; let’s venture into nature, engage in meaningful conversations, and create real-life experiences that nurture our souls.

Don’t just take my word, what does research say?

A Scientific Safari: Embarking on our research expedition, we encounter a plethora of studies that shed light on the potential benefits of mindfulness apps. These studies explore a range of areas, from various mental health issues, well-being and stress reduction to increased focus and emotional regulation. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure trove of knowledge nestled within the digital wilderness.

Taming the Wild Mind: One area where mindfulness apps seem to shine is in taming the wild beasts known as stress and anxiety. Research suggests that regular engagement with mindfulness practices, facilitated by apps, can lead to reduced stress levels and improved emotional well-being. It’s like having a tranquilizer dart for the frazzled mind, minus the drowsiness.

Sharpening the Focus: In a world filled with distractions, honing our ability to focus is becoming increasingly vital. Luckily, studies indicate that mindfulness apps can lend a helping hand in this department. By incorporating techniques like guided meditations and attention-training exercises, these apps can assist in sharpening our focus like a laser beam, allowing us to conquer tasks with greater efficiency and mindfulness.

Brain Matters: Delving deeper into the neural realm, research has shown that mindfulness practices can bring about structural and functional changes in the brain. Mindfulness apps, with their guided meditations and mindful exercises, can facilitate these changes, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities, less depression and increased positive self-awareness, and improved overall brain health. It’s like giving your brain a soothing spa treatment, complete with cucumber slices for the neurons.

The Power of Consistency: While research paints an encouraging picture of the benefits of mindfulness apps and meditation apps, it’s essential to note that like any practice, consistency is key. Merely downloading an app won’t instantly transport you to a state of eternal bliss. Regular engagement and commitment are necessary to reap the rewards. Think of it as a workout routine for your mind—skip a few sessions, and you might lose that mental muscle tone.

Conclusion

woman stretching in a field of sunflowers

So, do mindfulness apps really work? Well, it depends on what you’re seeking. If you’re looking for a pocket-sized guru to guide you through the peaks and valleys of life, then yes, these apps can certainly offer some solace and have plenty of mental health benefits. But remember, true, mindfulness practice requires more than just a smartphone app.

It demands an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to explore the world around you. So, let the apps be your companions on this wacky journey, but don’t forget to occasionally set them aside, breathe in the fresh air, and let the beauty of the present moment sweep you off your feet.

Remember, in this digital age, finding peace isn’t just about swiping left or right. It’s about embracing the messy, unpredictable, and extraordinary adventure we call life. It’s about regular practice and consistency. Here are my favorite mindfulness apps. Happy exploring, my fellow seekers of Zen!