Cultivating a strong mindfulness practice isn’t always easy. Since the mind can easily become captivated by any number of distractions in any moment, staying the course is a great feat. Thanks to modern technology, this pursuit is not something we have to work towards on our own. From online mindfulness courses to mindfulness and meditation apps, there is plenty of support to help us along this path.
When we consider the latter, we might ask ourselves the question:
Are mindfulness apps worth it?
Many mindfulness apps aren’t free, so putting in the resources to explore them can be a tough decision to make. However, there are a number of reasons we might consider the investment to be worth the return. Some of the ways mindfulness apps can support us include:
1. Sending us reminders
In the beginning, mindfulness practice is likely to slip our mind on some days. Mindfulness apps can supports us by sending us push notifications when it is time to practice. Eventually, we won’t need the reminder as the practice will be a new habit.
2. Reaffirming our intentions
Let’s face it. We all need a bit of encouragement from time to time. In one moment, we can feel 100% committed to our new practice while in the next, we can start doubting if mindfulness is what we want or need. Many apps offer words of encouragement, reaffirming our best intentions and reminding us that yes, we’ve got this.
3. Introducing us to different practices
Another benefit of mindfulness apps are that we are introduced to a wide range of mindfulness practices. Though we might come to mindfulness practice for one concern, we might find ourselves curious about additional practices focused on other modalities.
4. Offering customized feedback
Some apps go above and beyond by offering personalized feedback. The Balance App, for instance, checks in with users prior to each meditation to find out more about your experience and comfort level with practice. This information, along with data the app collects about your goals, helps to ensure you are presented with practices that best suit you.
Benefits aside, what are the drawbacks of mindfulness apps? As mentioned, many apps are not free. Some, however, like the Insight Timer app, have both free and premium options. This helps to ensure that regardless of your financial means, there are resources available for all to explore.
So, are mindfulness apps worth it? Absolutely. They can help us get clear about our mindfulness goals and stay focused on the journey ahead.
With many options to choose from, many people are then led to the question:
Which mindfulness app is best?
The truth is, there is no single app that suits everyone. Depending upon your budget, your preferences for personalization, and other factors, each one of us will be drawn to something a bit different. If you’re choosing an app, take advantage of any free trial that is offered to see if the platform you’ve chosen is best suited for your needs.
Some of the mindfulness apps worth exploring include Balance, Insight Timer, and Headspace, though there are countless others. In addition, you might seek out apps that are related to your unique interest, such as gratitude-specific apps. Remember that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The best app is whichever one works for you.
Additional Mindfulness Resources
In addition to mindfulness apps, there are other great resources that can help us to reaffirm our intentions, set goals, and deepen our personal practice. Online courses, mindfulness challenges, and other resources can also be explored – either instead of or in addition to an app. Some resources you might consider include:
