Nowadays, it seems like the idea of “relaxing” and being “in the present moment” is a thing of the past.
In college, students always seem to be focusing on the next assignment or the next project due in a month, not focusing on the present moment. I also struggle with focusing on what I'm doing and enjoying where I am.
Another factor reducing our ability to relax is the anxiety and stress accompanying college life, not just academically, but being exhausted 24/7, relationships, living in a new environment and whatever ever else you have going on in your life.
I have tried meditation for my anxiety but haven’t had any positive outcomes. So, I decided to give the app Headspace a try.
Headspace was created in May 2010 by Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson.
Before becoming the voice of Headspace, Puddicombe spent 10 years traveling to complete his Buddhist monk training in Nepal, India, Thailand and Australia.
In Headspace, Puddicombe will guide you through all the meditations and train your brain to find and obtain relaxation to reduce stress.
Once downloading the free app, you get the basic packs, but if you subscribe for $96, you get lots of extra add-ons like mini on-the-go videos.
The app has since gone viral with audiences ranging in age, cultures and socioeconomic levels, including use among college students.
The goal of this app is for the consumer to become anxiety-free and help reduce stress wherever you are at any time.
The on-the-go concept of the app makes it so popular; whenever you feel overwhelmed you can open Headspace and meditate.
There are different guided meditations in each pack within a specific category. There are five categories including relationships, foundation, performance, health and headspace pro.
My favorite category would have to be health due to having stress and anxiety, which the app has taught me helpful tips and tricks to lessen my attacks.
Once you pick a category there are packs specifically made for the situation you’re in. Within the different packs are meditations for the particular pack.
For example, if you pick the depression pack, it will guide you through specific techniques for helping you like deep breathing.
As a beginning user of this app, I notice some changes in myself, and some of my peers have noticed as well. The app has helped me to relax, live in the moment and has given me lots of tips and tricks to help fall asleep.
If you are truly committed, I recommend subscribing! Either way, Headspace is an accessible, free and useful app providing relaxation right at your fingertips.
