Lauren’s App of the Week: Headspace

By Lauren Dichter, Marketing Consultant at Heinz Marketing

It’s been exactly a year now since I started working from home due to COVID-19, and I’m sure most of you can relate. This time last year, I thought 2020 was going to be “my year”, as they say. I was so excited for the future while also feeling fulfilled in the present moment. Basically, I was on cloud 9 like never before. Nothing was going to cramp my style.

And then…duN duNN DUNNNN. The worst global pandemic since the Spanish Flu of 1918 hit—and hit hard, like I’d imagine a meteor would smash into the Earth: relentlessly and unstoppably.

We were all there. We know what happened next, and what’s happening now. It’s pretty amazing that all of us have gone through the same situation, and all at the same time. The ways in which we’ve all done our best to deal with the worst is a powerful symbol of our shared humanity—including a range of human characteristics, all the way from fragility to vitality.

And our collective resilience is a testament to our strength as people. We constantly adapt, finding ways to make life juuuuusst manageable enough (and enjoyable too). Some evolutionary biologists may just say it’s our superpower.

We find ways to calm our racing minds, soothe our nerves, and cope with our situations when they’re less than ideal. We make sure life is livable, and we do it for ourselves and our families. Some people are even sharing how they take care of themselves with the wider world. And while no one strategy fits all, certain strategies are proven to have a positive effect.

The Headspace app is one of those beacons of positive effects. Only helpful, carefully sourced content lives in this app. If you’re in the right place for it, nearly any piece of content you click on within the app could either pique your interest or take you away on a magical journey of the mind. But absolutely nothing is boring or pointless.

Plus, its content is highly specific. A quote on their website reads “Every day is a chance to train your mind for a happier, healthier life.” So, in that spirit, let’s explore the app that’s designed to help you become the best version of yourself!

My favorite part of Headspace are the Sleepcasts and Night Music. But those aren’t the only things the app supplies; without further ado, here are 4 sections of the app I’ve explored (and usually loved).

Meditation

There are both 20-minute guided meditations, as well as 5-minute educational courses on the basics of meditation.

There are also tracks called “Meditation 101”, “Meditation for Beginners”, “Meditation for Productivity” and even “What is Meditation?”

Examples of single pieces of audio/video content include, but are not limited to:

• Meditation for Sleep
• Walking Meditation
• Meditation for Anxiety
• Meditation for Body Positivity
• Meditation for Stress
• Meditation for Anger
• Meditation for Running

There’s even Meditation for Kids! The possibilities are endless, and you’ll find whatever guided meditation you need, right when you need it most.

Sleep

There are Sleepcasts, Night Music, and other types of audio experiences.

There are also tracks called “Using Your Phone Before Bed”, “How to Sleep Better”, and “How to Fall Back Asleep.”

Examples of single pieces of audio experiences include, but are not limited to:

• Sleepcasts:
  • Slow Train
  • Listen to Light City
• Night Music:
  • Doze
  • Night Oasis

As a bonus, there are educational articles you can read about sleep issues:

• How to Stop Nightmares
• Trouble Falling Asleep
• How can I become a morning person?
• Why am I always tired?
• Sleep hygiene
• Why do I wake up tired?
• Power Napping 101
• Wake Up Easier

I’m not going to lie; the descriptive and specific titles of each piece of content makes me want to watch/listen to/read all of them!

Stress

There are 10-minute audio experiences like “Listen to Relieving Stress”, and there are pre-recorded Q&A sessions with field experts like the one called “Ask Andy: Stress and Anxiety Relief.”

There are also tracks called “How to Relieve Stress”, “Social Anxiety”, “How to Reduce Anxiety”, and “How to Stop Worrying.”

Examples of single pieces of audio/video content include, but are not limited to:

• Meditations
  • Feeling Stressed
  • Meditation for Relaxation
  • Meditation for Anxiety

As a bonus, there are educational articles you can read about stress management:

• How to Relax
• Death and Aging Anxiety

There’s even an article for Male Body Dysmorphia! No matter how random or specific your situation is, if you’re stressing about something, chances are there are others stressing about the same thing, in this same moment. Which means Headspace is likely to have what you need!

Mindfulness

There are 5-minute experiences, like one called “Alone Time.” And there are videos with experts too, like “Dealing with Technology: How to Deal with Technology Addiction” and “How do we Cope with Fear?”

There are also tracks called “How to Improve Self-Esteem”, “Mindful Eating”, and “Mindful Cooking”.

As a bonus, there are educational articles you can read about practicing mindfulness:

• What is Mindfulness?
• How to Form a Habit
• Mindful Parenting
• How to be More Present
• How to Get Motivated
• How to be More Empathetic
• How to be More Grateful
• How to Create a Mindful Home Office
• How to Stop Negative Self-Talk
• How to be Happy?
• How to Develop Self-Discipline

I tried the Headspace Plus 60-day free trial and used it 4-5 times, but I can definitely see myself purchasing it once I get too familiar with all of the content in the free version! Luckily for us though, the free version has great content too.

With an average rating of 4.9 stars and 70M downloads, I—and millions of others—recommend you get some Headspace.