Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Calm

$14.99/month

Calm is a leading app for meditation and sleep, offering guided sessions on a variety of topics including anxiety, focus, and gratitude. The app also features Sleep Stories that help users fall asleep quickly.

Our take

Find peace and tranquility with Calm.

So, I've been messing around with this app called "Calm," and I gotta say, it's not too shabby if you're into meditation and sleep stories. You know, there's a ton of stuff out there that claims to chill you out, but this one actually has a pretty good mix of guided meditations, music, and those bedtime stories for grown-ups. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for relaxation on your phone. But yeah, it's definitely not a magic fix for everyone. If you're the type who can't sit still for more than a minute, meditation might still feel like pulling teeth.

One thing I noticed is the app's design is pretty slick. Everything's laid out in a way that makes you want to stick around. It's got this calming blue theme that doesn't scream at you like some other apps do. The navigation is mostly intuitive, but sometimes finding specific features can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, especially if you're not a tech whiz. Still, once you get the hang of it, the experience is mostly smooth sailing.

Now, let's talk about the content. The meditation sessions are led by people who actually sound like they know what they're doing, which is cool. There's a nice variety, too, from quick 5-minute refreshers to longer, deeper sessions if you're ready to dive in. The sleep stories, though, are kinda hit or miss. Some are like listening to Bob Ross paint you to sleep, while others might leave you questioning your life choices. I guess it's all about finding the right voice that clicks with you.

Here's where I'm a bit torn — the price. Calm isn't free, and while there's a trial period, after that, you're gonna have to cough up some dough if you want full access. If you're not sure you'll use it regularly, it can feel a bit steep. But, if meditation or relaxing sounds are your jam and you know you'll use it daily, it might be worth the investment. Just make sure you're not one of those folks who sign up, forget about it, and let subscriptions bleed your wallet dry.

Overall, Calm does a solid job at what it sets out to do. It's not gonna transform your life overnight or anything, but it's a handy tool for carving out a little peace in the chaos. If you're open to trying meditation or just need some help falling asleep, it's worth giving it a shot. Just go in with realistic expectations and remember that, like anything else, it takes time to see results. Hey, if it gets you to chill out even for a bit, that's a win in my book.