Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#1

Post by thyrox » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:01 PM UTC

There are so many apps which promise scientific benefits like relief from stress, better habits, etc.

Unfortunately most of them are free for only 7 days or 10 days and followed with a steep cost. I'm okay paying if there are any real benefits but the reviews are really mixed on the play store.

So just wondering what you guys think? Has any such app has had real life benefits? What do you think?

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#2

Post by trifit » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:06 PM UTC

You have to really commit to the process that the app puts you through can’t just do it randomly. I noticed some benefits with Calm but only if I did it everyday.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#3

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:15 PM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#4

Post by anon2020dot00 » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:18 PM UTC

Tried it (Calm, Headspace) several times but it didn't really work for me; what worked for me instead is just using Otter.AI to make voice memos and so that helped me to get things out of my head.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#5

Post by alecbz » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:20 PM UTC

I’ve not used headspace specifically all that much, but I do think meditation is very helpful. You don’t necessarily need an app for it[0], but they can help provide some structure.

[0]: There are books you can use as guides instead, or local meditation centers, or to start: every morning sit for 10 minutes with your back straight, eyes closed, and focus on the physical sensations of breathing. You’ll get distracted; when you notice, just begin focusing on the breath again.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#6

Post by kiliantics » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:23 PM UTC

I tried headspace for a while. I think it's possible it could be helpful but what really helped me at the time was getting in the habit of a regular practice of silent meditation. I found this much better than guided meditation and ultimately just used headspace as a timer.

The common recommendation, which I also now believe is correct, is that meditation will only work if you do it as close to daily as possible and the sessions must last pretty long, like 40-60 minutes. I found that when I managed this level of practice, I was actually developing the skills and getting somewhere with meditation. Doing 10 minutes guided meditation every once in a while when you feel stressed won't bring much. It's like trying to get fit, it won't happen if you just do a few pushups once in a while, you need a pretty strict routine.

So, like most good things in life, you really have to work for it. And that's not something that's easy to sell in app form.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#7

Post by rockbruno » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:24 PM UTC

I think you're misunderstanding the point of these apps, which might very well be intentional on these companies' part to get you to spend money on something that you might not need.

Therapy doesn't "solve" anything by itself, you must see it as a tool to help you put your mind in a better position so that you can solve your problems. Lots of people see these as magical apps that will somehow magically make them better with no effort from their side and then proceed to get disappointed when this obviously doesn't happen.

So to answer your question:

- Will these apps provide "scientific benefits" (whatever that is supposed to be)? No.

- Will these apps assist your own effort of improving mental health? Yes, as long as you're committed to it and keep going.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#8

Post by alecbz » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:25 PM UTC

kiliantics wrote: post #6

I tried headspace for a while. I think it's possible it could be helpful but what really helped me at the time was getting in the habit of a regular practice of silent meditation. I found this much better than guided meditation and ultimately just used headspace as a timer. The common recommendation, which I also now believe is correct, is that meditation will only work if you do it as close to daily as possible and…

Personally I’ve found even 10 mins a day can be helpful, but absolutely it does have to be a regular habit.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#9

Post by byoung2 » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:27 PM UTC

I tried a related app for weight loss (Noom) and have lost 40 pounds so far. I imagine the cost is a filtering mechanism. People who feel it is worth it to pay past the 7 day trial are the ones who will get the most benefit from what the app offers.

Re: Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

#10

Post by otikik » Sun, Apr 10, 2022, 2:28 PM UTC

I did headspace quite regularly for a year. I think its asmr-like sleep talkdowns helped me much more than the meditation parts. Of those, the “active meditation sessions” (walking meditation, commuting meditation) worked better for me than the more “traditional” sit-down-and-close-your—eyes ones. Those made me more aware about how easily distracted I was, and how easily my mind wanders, but I saw no improvements on that department despite practicing regularly for many months. After trying the mindful eating one, I now enjoy eating meat less.