Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Yoga Clock

$49

The Yoga Clock offers gentle yoga poses and stretches at set intervals, reminding you to take a break and be mindful.

Our take

Stretch, breathe, and be mindful.

I got my hands on this Yoga Clock, and at first glance, it looks like a regular alarm clock that might have taken a yoga class or two. It’s got this slick design that wouldn’t look out of place in one of those fancy yoga studios. The big selling point here is that it’s supposed to help you integrate yoga and mindfulness into your daily routine through timed reminders. I’m curious about how a clock can do that, but I guess it’s worth a shot if you’re trying to get a bit more zen in your life.

Setting it up was pretty straightforward, which I appreciate because who wants to spend an hour figuring out how to set an alarm? The clock chimes gently, unlike those jarring alarms that make you want to throw your phone across the room. It’s meant to give you a nudge to pause and stretch or breathe or whatever during the day. I found the reminders to be a gentle way to break up the day, but if you’re someone who’s deep into focus mode, they might feel like interruptions.

One of the things I really like is that it’s not just an alarm clock; it also offers guided breathing exercises. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, which is great if you’re new to the whole mindfulness scene. I tried a few of them, and while I didn’t reach enlightenment or anything, it was a nice break from the chaos of the day. But hey, if you’re already doing yoga regularly, this might just feel like an extra step you don’t really need.

Now, let’s talk about the downsides. First off, it’s not the most budget-friendly gadget out there. If you’re watching your wallet, it might feel like a bit of a splurge. Plus, the reminders can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes they didn’t go off when I expected, which was kind of annoying. I mean, if you’re trying to cultivate mindfulness, you’d hope the thing reminding you to be mindful actually works on time, right?

Overall, the Yoga Clock is a neat idea that could work well for folks who need a nudge to chill out during the day. It’s not a must-have for everyone, especially if you’re already in the habit of taking breaks or doing yoga on your own. But if you’re someone who needs a little structure or a gentle reminder to take a deep breath now and then, it might be worth checking out. Just keep in mind the price tag and the occasional hiccup in reminders. If those aren’t deal-breakers for you, it could be a helpful companion on your journey to being slightly less stressed.

$99/month

Free with Premium options