Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Headspace

$12.99/month

Headspace offers a guided journey into meditation and mindfulness, including specialized breathing exercises to help reduce stress and improve focus.

Our take

Mindfulness made easy with Headspace.

Alright, so let's dive into Headspace. It's supposed to be this meditation app that helps you chill out and find some zen. The first thing you'll notice is the app’s user-friendly design. It's super easy to navigate, which is great because the last thing you want when you're trying to de-stress is to deal with a complicated interface. You can just tap your way into a session and start breathing. Now, while it’s all smooth and pretty, some of the guided sessions feel a bit repetitive after a while. You might start wishing for a bit more variety if you’re using it daily.

The content itself is a mixed bag. On one hand, the basics course is a solid starting point. It’s like meditation for dummies, guiding you through with clear instructions. But then, some of the themed courses, like for stress or sleep, can feel a bit fluffy. They talk a lot without really saying much new. If you're already familiar with meditation, you might find yourself wanting deeper insights or techniques. It’s definitely more geared towards folks who are new to the whole mindfulness thing.

One of the things Headspace does well is its animations. They’re these cute little cartoon videos that explain meditation concepts in a simple and engaging way. It’s a clever touch that breaks down something complex into bite-sized pieces. However, if you’re not into the cutesy stuff, it might come off as a bit childish. It's a style choice that works for some but might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

On the practical side, the app’s reminders to meditate can be a double-edged sword. It’s great to get that nudge to take a break and breathe, but sometimes it feels like a nagging parent. You can customize these reminders, though, so it’s not a dealbreaker. I’d say if you’re someone who needs a push to stick with a routine, these reminders are a handy feature. But if you’re more self-disciplined, they might just be another notification to swipe away.

Overall, Headspace does a decent job at making meditation accessible, especially for beginners. It’s like having a meditation coach in your pocket, which is cool. But, if you’re looking for something more advanced, or if you’re not into the app’s style, you might end up exploring other options. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good starting point for dipping your toes into mindfulness. Just remember, like anything, it’s what you make of it, so give it a whirl and see if it clicks for you.