Meditation Apps Are the Concealed Mobile Productivity Apps
Author Note
I have no conflicts of interest to disclose. This is inclusive of paid sponsorship by any mentioned mobile applications. References only include the Google Play Store due to personal use with the Google ecosystem and no connection to the Apple ecosystem.
Meditation Mobile Apps are the Concealed Productivity Apps
In a world shaken by a pandemic, it is well-known that many aspects of business and personal lifestyle were greatly affected. One of the most notable could be awareness of one’s work habits upon the enforcement of pandemic restrictions, including the increased awareness of burnout and poor work-life balances (Ksinan Jiskrova, 2022). This situation catapulted a workforce response the media has named “the Great Resignation” (Ksinan Jiskrova, 2022). With many businesses on the forefront of feeling this social shift in North America, workers are personally finding ways to mediate the psychological impacts of the short-staffed workforce. One of the trusted ways to increase productivity is meditation. Mobile apps with focuses in this area could be said to be the best concealed productivity apps in a post-pandemic world.
About Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice using mental and physical techniques to clear the mind, with many other physiological benefits. Around the world, humans practice meditation in different forms with roots in religious and non-religious practices. There are different approaches to meditation, such as visualization, mindfulness, and movement based (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Some common examples of meditation include yoga and therapeutic guided meditation (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). It is noteworthy that the aim of all meditation is to bring the body and mind into state that promotes improved ability to think, concentrate, and problem solve (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). In addition, meditation can aid in emotional resiliency, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). In hopes to reduce the psychological effects of the context, meditation is an up-stream method to increasing productivity.
Meditation as Productivity Apps
Meditation apps in the Google Play Store are not listed in the Productivity category. They are listed in the Health and Fitness category which makes them perceived differently. When one shifts the perspective of productivity apps to include stimulating humans’ physical and mental ability to efficiently perform tasks, meditation falls perfectly into this app category.
Examining apps listed in the productivity category, they are filled with to-do lists, habit trackers, and all-in-one multi-user platforms with emails, instant messaging, time tracking, and calendars. These apps aim to reduce the anxiety over the perceived amount of work one has, including the number of daily tasks. Further, focus-based productivity apps are there to shame users about how much time they spent on their phone or on detour from their desired task. All these apps fail to address another side of the North American work-life: the psychological and physiological ability of the human to handle the workload. As discussed previously, meditation apps can increase these abilities.
Common Meditation Apps
There are many common meditation apps with different features and approaches. Some of the well-known names[1] are Headspace: Mindful Meditation, Calm — Sleep, Meditate, Relax, and Simple Habit: Meditation App. Additionally, the app Balance: Meditation and Sleep[2] is well liked amongst downloaders. These apps focus more on the mindfulness approach where it’s a visualization or “mind-clearing” technique. Some other apps include Prana Breath: Calm and Meditate, and Daily Yoga: Fitness + Meditation which take somatic perspectives to the practice of meditation through breathwork and yoga movements. The features of the most well-known meditation apps and how they can be applied to improve user lives will be discussed in detail in the following pages[3].
Headspace. Headspace is a well-known app with great marketing. It is commonly seen on YouTube ads and video sponsorships. This app created by Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep has over 10 million downloads since it’s release on January 6, 2012 (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep). Editors of the Google Play Store noted that the app’s art-based interface engages all ages making it easy to begin a new practice. They also noted the app has sessions dedicated for children and youth which makes it family-friendly (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep). One of the most interesting features would be the collaboration efforts Headspace has done. John Legend, and Olympians Kim Glass and Leon Taylor are highlighted in the app description (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep). This is a clever marketing tool making meditation seem more accessible and less intimidating for new users. These reasons could explain the app’s popularity.
Aside from it’s 4.2-star rating amongst 277,333 users, Headspace app offers several features that promote usability throughout the day (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep). The app markets short 3-minute sessions to mediate mental stress, noted as “a quick mental reset” for “busy schedules”. In addition, the “Mindful Moments” feature is aiming to increase user mental presence through the day (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep). New daily topics keep the practice fresh and engaging, plus the themed sessions for managing common emotions (i.e., sadness, anger) promote specialized use (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep). There is something for everyone within the themes of the app[4].
Calm. Since Calm was released on July 30, 2014, by Calm.com, Inc., it has received over 10 million downloads and an average of 4.3 stars from 501,305 users (Calm.com, Inc.). Google Editors with the Play Store recommend this app for its bedtime meditations and stories, and the “Masterclasses” that teach users to apply meditation to daily life (Calm.com, Inc.). Calm explains their mission to be greater than just an app. They have developed offline collaborations and partnerships to aid in bringing health and happiness to the world daily (Calm.com, Inc.).
The app has many features[5] including sessions for all skill levels ranging in topics such as stress, concentration, habit breaking, and self-esteem (Calm.com, Inc.). The “Dailies” sessions are unique collaborations with the well-known Calm narrators that contain original content in 10-minute bursts (Calm.com, Inc.). These are used to access meditation in a less-intimidating manner with fresh appeal for everyday use. Calm motivates users to keep meditating with goal reminders such as “Daily Streaks” and “Mindful Minutes” (Calm.com, Inc.). In addition, Calm has thought ahead to include structured mindfulness programs within the app for those looking to dive deeper into the practice without looking for another app to download (Calm.com, Inc.). The best adaptation Calm has developed is the new app for wearable tech (Calm.com, Inc.). This makes the app even more efficient for everyday use and marks it as a stand-out amongst the meditation apps on the Google Play Store. It is said that convenience is key to the North American market. Calm is efficient and convenient without being overwhelming with specialty add-on features.
Simple Habit. Simple Habit is a less popular app comparatively to those previously mentioned. It may only have over 1 million downloads but is well-liked with a 4.6-star rating from 43,965 users (Simple Habit, Inc.). Google Play Store Editors appreciated that the app is personalized based on user selections. The sessions are based on time of day, user mood, and how much time the user has at the moment of engagement (Simple Habit, Inc.). These elements allow the user to personalize their meditation journey beyond what has been seen before. Simple Habit was featured on the 2017 Shark Tank season premiere and was awarded as Google Play’s Best App that same year (Simple Habit, Inc.). It continued to acquire accolades in 2018 as Google’s Material Design Award winner, and Google Play’s Standout Well-Being app (Simple Habit, Inc.).
With familiar features seen in the other applications, such as “Mindful Minutes” for daily reminders and the sessions designed for busy lifestyles, this app elevates the user experience with coaching. These sessions focus on building motivation through streak tracking and motivational talks (Simple Habit, Inc.). The app is focused on fitting into the user’s daily life either upon wake-up, during a commute, to fall asleep, or any time in between. The offline capabilities[6] are an additional feature that can be used anytime, anywhere encouraging users to apply meditation throughout the day. Simple Habit wants to make meditation “personalized to the way you live your life” (Simple Habit, Inc.).
Conclusion
The mission of all the mentioned apps is to promote well-being. This is key to being productive in a society filled with burnout. Regardless of origin, burnout and the desire to become more balanced within work and life is flooding the North American workforce and generating the “Great Resignation.” Meditation can play a role in mediating the downfall of employee well-being compared to task trackers and overstimulating multi-user platforms. Allocating time for self and mental wellness through mobile apps may be the best way to increase the ability to perform tasks on a physical and/or mental level. Through management of up-stream solutions, such as meditation, it may be possible to reduce investing in down-stream task-management and productivity apps that overstimulate, overwhelm, or fail to increase productivity on a long-term basis. With the magnitude of options out there with no subscription fees, there is an app for every user lifestyle. Meditation apps are arguably the best concealed productivity mobile apps.
References
Calm.com, Inc. (n.d.). Calm — Sleep, Meditate, Relax. About this app. Google Play Store. Retrieved August 12, 2022, from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.calm.android&hl=en&gl=US
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 22). Meditation. Retrieved August 12, 2022, from Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17906-meditation
Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep. (n.d.). Headspace: Mindful Meditation. About this app. Google Play Store. Retrieved August 12, 2022, from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getsomeheadspace.android&hl=en&gl=US
Ksinan Jiskrova, G. (2022, March 16). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce: from psychological distress to the Great Resignation. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 76, 525–526. doi:10.1136/jech-2022–218826
Simple Habit, Inc. (n.d.). Simple Habit: Meditation App. About this app. Google Play Store. Retrieved August 12, 2022, from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplehabit.simplehabitapp&hl=en&gl=US
Appendix A Headspace App [7]
Description “Meditate and sleep soundly. Headspace is your guide to practicing mindfulness in your everyday life. Learn how to relax, manage stress, and focus your energy to become more centered and well rested. Create a calm and positive environment with Headspace. Guided meditation, sleep meditation, and breathing exercises on Headspace can help you stress less and sleep soundly. Learn mindfulness skills from world-class experts like former monk and Headspace co-founder Andy Puddicombe. Choose from hundreds of guided meditations on a new topic each day: anxiety, focus, relaxation, and more! Meditation for every experience level and lifestyle. Meditate with friends and build your practice your way. Choose between short 3-minute sessions that fit seamlessly into a busy schedule, or longer meditations to set your intentions for the day. Listen to calming sounds and music with Sleep by Headspace, or release stress and tension through movement with Move Mode. In just a few minutes a day, Headspace can help bring balance to your everyday life. Even if you’ve never meditated before, the Basics course teaches you meditation essentials. Download Headspace today and be kind to your mind.”
Appendix B Calm App [8]
Description “Calm is the #1 app for sleep, meditation and relaxation. Sleep better, relieve stress, lower anxiety and refocus your attention. Guided meditations, Sleep Stories, breathwork, exclusive music and stretching exercises fill our extensive library. Discover a happier, healthier you through Calm. Prioritize self-care and choose a guided meditation session that fits within your busy schedule. Practice mindfulness in your daily routine and join the millions experiencing its life-changing benefits. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned expert, Calm is for anyone. Relaxing music and calming sounds help you meditate, focus and sleep better. Sleep Stories are bedtime stories that are guaranteed to lull you into a deep and restful slumber. Pick from 100+ exclusive Sleep Stories, narrated by well-known talent like Matthew McConaughey, Stephen Fry, Rosé, Jerome Flynn and P!nk. Take a deep breath and find your Calm.”
Appendix C Simple Habit [9]
Description “Simple Habit is #1 app for your wellness & sleep recommended by top psychologists, therapists and mental health experts. Try Simple Habit for free today and join over 5 million people on this life-changing journey. Sleep better and be happier in your life, marriage, parenthood, work, and health. Our wellness & sleep therapy sessions offer guided mindfulness & meditation, daily motivation, guided sleep sessions and coaching by world-renowned experts, personalized for the way you live your life. We’ll help you feel less stressed, get better sleep and be your best self whether you have 5 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes during your commute or need to fall asleep quickly. Start your Simple Habit for free today and live better every day.”
Appendix D Balance App Description & Additional Information[10]
Description “Calm your mind, and improve your stress, sleep, and more with the world’s first personalized meditation program, now free for your first year. Balance is your personal meditation coach. Each day, you’ll answer questions about your meditation experience, goals, and preferences. Using an audio library of thousands of files, Balance assembles a daily meditation that’s perfect for you. The more you share over time, the more personalized and effective your meditations become. For a limited time, we’re offering everyone a free year of Balance, automatically available when you download the app.”
Created By — Release Date Elevate Labs — May 3 2021
Download Count 500,000+
User Rating 4.8 stars with 10,224 reviews
In-app Purchases Range $7.49CDN to $499.99CDN
Accolades 2021: Google’s Best App
Claimed Benefits & Inclusions Guided meditations tailored to mood, goals, & experience; 10-day plans to develop and deepen skills; research supported activities; badge reward system; 10 different meditation techniques
Appendix E Prana App Description & Additional Information[11]
Description “Dive into breathing techniques that are approved by ancient traditions, by modern science and by million+ of our users! Use the power of breathing and meditation to increase your mindfulness and live a better life. It doesn’t matter whether you do Yoga, dieting, diving, or not, — you will see the positive impact anyway, for only 7–15 minutes a day!”
Created By — Release Date Oleksandr Albul — June 3 2015
Download Count 1,000,000+
User Rating 4.8 stars with 82,627 reviews
In-app Purchases Range $1.00CDN to $20.00CDN
Accolades Not applicable.
Claimed Benefits & Inclusions Improve memory and concentration; anti-appetite training; cigarette cessation training; boosts lung capacity; 8 breathing patterns; subscription for exclusive features. Scientific proofs: https://pranabreath.info/wiki/Research_articles Facebook: https://facebook.com/OlekdiaPranaBreath
Appendix F Daily Yoga App Description & Additional Information[12]
Description “Multiple yoga asanas, pilates, fitness&corepower yoga for weight loss. Would you like to find both the yoga fitness pose video and meditation in one app? Daily Yoga is the platform that provides health benefits for both your mind and body with multiple yoga poses, various guided yoga classes, and weight loss yoga challenges. Start your day with a yoga workout, increase flexibility and balance, improve performance in daily activities, keep good posture, and get fit and healthy!”
Created By — Release Date Yoga for Everyone — June 2 2012
Download Count 10,000,000+
User Rating 4.6 stars with 144,194 reviews
In-app Purchases Range $0.99CDN to $500CDN
Accolades Wall Street Journal: one of “Five Addictive Fitness Apps”; 2021: Healthline “Best Yoga App”
Claimed Benefits & Inclusions Beginner friendly; daily challenges; specialized for weight loss; “Smart Coach” generating personalized yoga programs; 7 to 15-minute sessions; offline features; guided meditations; smartwatch compatible; online community; progress and fitness tracker
Footnotes
[1] These are apps labelled as “Editors’ Choice” within the Google Play Store at time of research.
[2] This app was named Google’s Best App of 2021 and thus included as a mentionable.
[3] See Appendix D, E, and F for further information on Balance: Meditation and Sleep, Prana Breath: Calm and Meditate, and Daily Yoga: Fitness + Meditation, respectively.
[4] Some of these features are only accessed through subscription which ranges in price from $8.49CDN to $159.99CDN (Headspace for Meditation, Mindfulness and Sleep).
[5] Some content is only accessed through optional paid subscriptions ranging in price from $1.11CDN to $499.99CDN (Calm.com, Inc.).
[6] Offline capabilities are premium feature by subscription only. Subscriptions range from $6.49CDN to $164.00CDN (Simple Habit, Inc.).
[7] Description sourced August 12, 2022 from Google Play Store. Spelling errors and formatting not corrected in Description based on an accurate depiction of app in the Google Play Store. Additional information found in text body: release date, creator, star-ratings, and download counts.
[8] Description sourced August 12, 2022 from Google Play Store. Spelling errors and formatting not corrected in Description based on an accurate depiction of app in the Google Play Store. Additional information found in text body: release date, creator, star-ratings, and download counts.
[9] Description sourced August 12, 2022 from Google Play Store. Spelling errors and formatting not corrected in Description based on an accurate depiction of app in the Google Play Store. Additional information found in text body: release date, creator, star-ratings, and download counts.
[10] Description & Additional Information sourced August 12, 2022 from Google Play Store. Spelling errors and formatting not corrected in Description based on an accurate depiction of app in the Google Play Store.
[11] Description & Additional Information sourced August 12, 2022 from Google Play Store. Spelling errors and formatting not corrected in Description based on an accurate depiction of app in the Google Play Store.
[12] Description & Additional Information sourced August 12, 2022 from Google Play Store. Spelling errors and formatting not corrected in Description based on an accurate depiction of app in the Google Play Store.