Products/apps that actually helped my mental health

Dec 241 min read

Since people ask about recommendations - here's what actually moved the needle for me:

Headspace - tried Calm, tried others. Headspace's dad-specific meditations are weirdly helpful and I can do them in 5 mins

Garmin watch - sounds dumb but tracking my sleep and getting notifications about my stress levels made me actually aware of patterns

The Thrival app - like a journaling thing but simpler than I thought. Just tracking mood helped me see what actually affects me

None of these are magic bullets but they're tools that fit into actual life.

9 comments137 views

Comments(9)

DDrew H.RegularDec 24

Did the app actually move the needle or was it more the act of doing SOMETHING for yourself? I'm asking because I don't want to waste money if it's just placebo, but also maybe placebo is worth it if I'm this stressed lol.

BBrad N.RegularDec 24

Those dad-specific meditations on Headspace sound weirdly appealing. I've tried like 4 different apps and they all feel generic. What are the meditations actually about?

RRay C.RegularDec 24

What were the other products you tried? I'm in this spot where I know my mental health is tanking but I keep dismissing meditation as too woo-woo, even though I'm clearly desperate enough to try random apps.

NNick J.RegularDec 25

Honestly the fact that it was specifically designed for dads made me actually USE it instead of download and forget like the other ones. Highly recommend just trying the free stuff first though. The dad meditations are on there.

AAllen K.RegularDec 25

Appreciate you sharing actual stuff that worked instead of "just exercise bro." Did Headspace help with the anxiety side or more the sleep/stress piece? Trying to figure out if I should invest or just use the free trial.

TTony V.RegularDec 24

10-minute sessions is the sweet spot btw. I used to feel like meditation had to be this big 30-min commitment so I'd never do it. Once I accepted that 10 mins before bed was enough, it actually stuck. The shorter Headspace sessions got me there.

PPaul W.RegularDec 26

Curious what the other things on your list are (post is cut off). I've tried Headspace too and yeah the dad content is way better than the generic stuff they push first.

MMatt W.RegularDec 26

Headspace's dad content is actually refreshing. Most meditation stuff feels so generic but yeah, the ones about guilt and parenting burnout hit different. Been using it for like 8 months now and I'm actually sleeping better which changes everything.

RReggie K.New DadDec 26

Saving this post. Been looking for actual recommendations instead of 'try yoga' every time I mention anxiety. Appreciate you being specific about what worked.