There isn’t much “how-to” for this app. It’s mostly click and watch the vids or listen to music or voice recording. Explore it and find out what works for you. Nothing too complicated and very user-friendly.
Create an account for the program by logging in with Facebook, Spotify, your Apple Id, or simply an email address. Spotify is an unusual app to use for login. Perhaps Headspace will use your music lists for meditation. Since I don’t have Spotify, perhaps someone can comment on how it works. As mentioned before, Headspace has a free trial, but users must sign up for either a yearly membership or a monthly one before getting the free trial.
Next, the app asks what you would like to work on—stress, sleep, trying something new, staying focused, or anxiety. As you use the app, you can add to the list of things for focus. It also asks for you to make an intention. It’s an open-ended response where you can put in anything.
The main screen of Headspace has at the top—a person icon at the top and a search option. At the bottom of the screen, there are five icons with labels—Today, Meditate, Sleep, Move, and Focus. No matter what you are working on, these other options are available.
Today: This shows a daily article, video, or mediation in the middle screen. Scroll down to see programs in progress, favorites and recent items, and featured collections. Click on any of these to participate. If you are new, you may have the Basics tutorial listed here. These are 3-5 minute guided meditations to get you used to the practice and the program. I highly recommend going through at least the first Basic course of ten sessions.
Meditation: Click on this icon for featured and daily meditations. Again, the Basic course is here. This section features a new meditation every day. You can opt for up to 20 minutes for some. Other features include courses of meditation and single sessions. There is a huge selection to choose from, starting with Acceptance through Grief down to Waking up. The SOS features six meditations to deal with: feeling overwhelmed, being burned out, panicking, losing your temper, being flustered, and being in pain. These are short guides to deal with tough issues. There are timers for guided, semi-guided, and unguided meditations. Also, a variety of videos can be found under Techniques and Support to assist you with your mediation. Lastly, there’s a group meditation invite at the bottom of the list.
Sleep: Click the small crescent moon to find the sleep meditations. These are longer and are to assist you in falling asleep. The main screen features a long sleepcast. Hit the play button to enjoy. Below that are recent and other featured sleepcasts. Scroll down for the Explore Sleep section. Here there are more categories of meditations, sleepcasts, and help, including wind-downs, nighttime SOS exorcises, sleep music, soundscapes (vids with music), and sleep radio (8 hours of music).
Move: Click the triangle icon to find the workout features. Yes, the app is for your mind and body! Again, a featured workout is front and center. Scroll down for other workouts including featured and recent, mindful cardio, feel-good yoga, quick workouts, move minis (when you have no time), “Get moving with Kim” which is touted for beginners, “Get moving with Leon” also good for beginners, rest day meditations, and performance mindset.
Focus: Click the triple circle to find the Focus section. This section has a variety of activities to help you concentrate. There are meditations, music, exercise, immersive experiences (vids), life coaching from Kevin Hart, and soundscapes.
Phew, so much to do with only a 14-day trial. But honestly, check out all the features listed above to discover if this app works for you.
Here are a few more tidbits.
The person icon at the top takes you into your account. Here you can add Buddies (others using the app) by sharing a link on social media. You can also check out your stats—how many days in a row you’ve used the app and how long you’ve meditated, how many sessions you’ve completed, and the average duration. There is also Journey. This section has you check in once a month to see how you’re doing with stress, anxiety, and mindfulness. It charts your stress level. It also has ideas to consider based on your experience and stress level. Lastly, it has your timeline. See what meditations you’ve already tried and when you used them. It’s great for creating a routine or circling back to one you loved.
Click, listen, enjoy.
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