We live in a busy world that has us juggling work, school, kids, and so much more each and every day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get ten minutes a day to completely relax? Well, that just might be possible with Headspace (on-the-go), a mediation app.
The creators of Headspace are on a mission to get as many people as possible to take ten minutes out of their day to practice mediation. They suggest that Headspace is mediation for the modern world delivered through simple and scientifically proven techniques that aim to give you a healthy mind. But does the app manage to keep you motivated with its design and techniques or does it end up boring you to tears? That’s what we’ll find out.
Getting Some Headspace
After downloading the app onto your device, you will need to log-in with your Headspace account. This free account can be registered for directly on the Headspace website. It is possible to bypass the log-in by clicking on the “New user? Get some Headspace now” text at the bottom of the log-in screen but if you continue your mediation journey past day two, you will be required to sign-up for a Headspace account (email address, user name, and password).
Headspace has several extra pieces including explanatory videos and a meditation timer.
Why might you want some Headspace? Mediation has been shown to alleviate stress, help you focus, improve your sleep, and positively affect your general mindfulness. This makes it useful to almost everyone. Whether you are a mother of three who also has to juggle a full-time job or a college student that is cramming for exams between double-shifts at a restaurant, we can all use a little peace.
Starting Small
Starting small is the name of the game when it comes to using the Headspace app, and in more ways than one. The idea behind Headspace is that anyone can enjoy meditation and that the best way to slip into it is to start with small, daily practice. That’s why the first meditation programme within Headspace is a Take 10 programme. Ten days of ten minute sessions will take you from newbie to experienced in just over a week.
The Take 10 programme is also the only programme that you can access for free. If you want to take your meditation further, you’ll need to sign-up to a monthly subscription. At the time of writing, there are several discounts available both within the app and on the internet. So if you do sign-up, make sure to check them out first.
Design and Interface
There is nothing fancy about the design of the Headspace app. The simplicity of the app really works for it since Headspace is all about getting some peace of mind. It would be a bit counterproductive if you were getting confused while trying to de-stress.
At the bottom of the screen, you find your control centre that allows you to navigate to five different screens. These screens include Downloads, About, My Headspace, Progress, and More. The Downloads section will allow you to download your meditation programme(s) directly to your device, so you don’t have to use your data to stream it. The About section explains anything and everything you might have wanted to know about Headspace. Scrolling down in this section gives you access to some useful videos about how to get the most out of your meditation and the experiences of some Headspace users.
You’ll spend the majority of your time in the My Headspace screen but the Progress screen will be a close second.
You will spend most of your time in My Headspace, a section that allows you to play your mediation session for the day. You can also share your thoughts on your mediation with the share link to Facebook and Twitter down at the bottom of this section. In the Progress section, you can find information on what day of the programme you are on, the percentage you have completed, and also find out how many other Headspace users are mediating at that moment. Your account will sync with the online version of Headspace so you never need to worry about losing your place.
Finally, the More section will allow you to find out more about Andy, the founder of Headspace. Additionally, there are some neat settings here like the ability to create a mediation reminder, a timer with intervals to keep you focused and a link to the Headspace (Royal Parks) podcast.
Functionality
Andy serves as your guide through your daily mediation. He has a calm and soothing voice that helps you mediate with ease. He instructs you on how to breathe, what to focus on, and relaxing your mind through each (ten minute) session. The guided mediation really helps those who are new to mediation or people that have tried to mediate in the past without success.
The simple, friendly design is a real plus to the Headspace app.
As you continue your Take 10 mediation programme, you will most likely find it easier and easier to stay focused on your breathing and sounds. Andy also uses some techniques to help you with pain and acknowledging your feelings.
The beauty of Headspace is that it is tailored towards the everyday lifestyle of the average individual. Ten minutes out of your day is manageable to fit into even the busiest of schedules.
Conclusion
Everyone can use a little more Headspace and this app makes it easy for anyone to learn how to mediate successfully. The simple interface and gentle programme are real pros to the app. The only drawback of the app is that it asks you to sign up after the second session in order to use the rest of the free programme. If you want to continue past the free ten-day programme, then you’ll need a monthly subscription but luckily these only run a few dollars a month.
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