Apps, Ohm, and the Search for a Little Peace

By Donna Stark

Are your weeks more chaotic than they are calm? Would you like to bring some extra peace and quiet to your days but don’t even know where to begin? Trust us, we get it.

As chiropractors, we know how difficult it can be to not only find the time to relax but to also bring some much-needed zen into your life. We also know that if taking a break for lunch is nearly impossible for you, then signing up for a daily yoga class or therapy session is definitely out of the question as well. So what can you do to relieve stress? How can you achieve the same kind of benefits you would get during a week-long stay at the beach while maintaining your normal daily routine?

Among other things, the answer might be in your phone.

Meditation and Mindfulness to the Rescue

In the fast-paced and often stressful world we live in, meditation has really made a name for itself -- and with good reason. It is an incredibly impactful way to lower stress levels, stabilize moods, improve sleep, increase clarity, decrease blood pressure, and reduce incidences of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Simply put, meditation changes people, and it can also change the way we show up in the world. If you are tired of those judgmental eye rolls your coworkers make when you become upset or frenzied throughout the day, meditation may become your new best friend. But more specifically, meditation apps may be the missing link in your life.

What Are Meditation Apps?

In principle, meditation is a simple idea. You find a quiet space to sit and you focus completely on something other than your work, screaming kids, text messages, or bills. The problem with meditation, though, is that while it sounds fairly straightforward, many people have trouble following through. It’s easy to believe you aren’t doing it right and for some, the process can feel extremely awkward and uncomfortable.

This is why meditation apps have skyrocketed in popularity. Meditation apps are programs that can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet. Their features may include breathing exercises, mental imagery lessons, calming music or sounds, and inspirational or bedtime stories. Sure, you may need to download the app on the same device which may be the biggest source of your stress, but if your phone or tablet is already a part of your daily routine, why not use it to encourage a healthier lifestyle?

Speaking of which, one of the best things about meditation apps is that your lifestyle will barely be impacted by them. You can log in and practice your own style of meditation whenever and wherever you want. Just try to avoid any serious meditation during your commute to work. Falling asleep while driving is the last thing you need!

What Are the Benefits of Using Meditation Apps?

Before we begin to talk about the physical and mental health benefits you may receive by using a mediation app, let’s keep one important fact in mind: if the app features or guides fail to resonate with you, don’t give up on the process! The right teacher or storyteller can make all the difference in the world, and you may just need to download something else (this is the perfect time to take advantage of all the free trials offered). When you find the one you like the most, sit back, close your eyes, and get ready for all the benefits your app offers. Here are some of the most common.

• Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
• Enhanced clarity and focus
• Improved moods and fewer mood swings
• Decreased levels of fatigue
• Increased levels of positive emotions, compassion, and patience
• Improved social relationships
• Reduced exposure to loud sounds and noise pollution
• Improved memory

Why Are Meditation Apps So Popular?

The simplicity, variety, and convenience of meditation and mindfulness apps are the top reasons for their immense popularity and growth over the last several years. Calm, one of the most popular mindfulness apps, and arguably the most popular app in existence, has single-handedly helped millions of people improve their overall health and quality of life by teaching them how to relax, breathe correctly, de-stress, and quiet their minds. But Calm isn’t the only app on the market. There are plenty of other apps to choose from as well. Here are a few of the most beneficial for particular needs.

• Mental health apps - Talkspace, Worry Watch, BetterHelp
• Stress management apps - Sanvello, Daylio Journal, and Breathe2Relax
• Mindfulness apps - Healthy Minds Program, Calm, and Headspace
• Wellness and health apps - Happify, Meditopia, Exhale

Remember, choosing a meditation app is a personal experience. What works for your friend or your mom may not work for you, and that’s OK. Take your time and let those free trials become your best friend. Use them to get a feel for what you like and don’t like before signing up for their plan. It’s also good to know that there are several free apps to choose from! Insight Timer, Smiling Mind, and UCLA Mindful are some great examples to look into.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Too?

Your app purchases are a great start toward practicing mindfulness and improving your overall well-being, but if you really want to make an impact on your physical and mental health, add some routine chiropractic care to your life too. Like meditation, chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce stress and tension, decrease incidences of depression and anxiety, regulate hormones, support optimal sleep, stabilize moods, and promote mental wellness. Additionally, your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic may also provide other tools and techniques for self-care to help you relax.

What Does the CDC Have to Say?

It’s interesting to note that data collected by the CDC shows that the share of Americans who either meditate or receive chiropractic care has dramatically increased over the last several years. And that rise is projected to continue to do so. In fact, revenue in the meditation apps segment is expected to reach more than 4.5 billion dollars in 2023.

It’s obvious that people are on to something good, and that something could be exactly what you need in your life. Whether you are ready to hit the download button and give a meditation app a try or visit your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic, you’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain!

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.