Ah, the elusive dance with sleep—an ever-shifting partner, sometimes slipping through our grasp and, at other times, demanding our attention at the most inconvenient hours. We’ve all felt the mix of annoyance when the morning alarm rudely interrupts our dreams and the confusion of waking up seemingly more exhausted than the night before.

Now, in the quest for a good night’s rest, there’s this intriguing player on the scene: meditation. Also known as mindfulness, it’s claimed to be a game-changer, requiring just 5 minutes of your daily routine. According to some, it’s like a magic wand that can calm your racing heart, slow down your breathing, and bid farewell to that pesky stress hormone, cortisol.

Your mental health is more important than your list of goals.

We said what we said.

— Calm (@calm) January 2, 2024

So, in the spirit of morning triumphs, we decided to check out the hype around meditation apps. Picture this as a journey through the realms of tranquility, with each app vying for the title of your mindfulness guru.

Insight Timer

• Cost: Free content with premium access at $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year
• Why It Stands Out: Insight Timer, adorned with voices like Goldie Hawn and Lama Rod Owens, caters to diverse topics—from interviews to relationship insights, sleep aids, and performance-specific tracks. If you’re a meditation buff, the customizable timer lets you craft your guide with interval bells and personalized sounds. Engage with the community or enjoy a private session—it’s your call. It’s a solid choice for classic meditation enthusiasts, even though the app interface might feel a tad clunky.

Smiling Mind

• Cost: Absolutely free
• Our Take: If the litmus test for app appeal is the willingness to revisit it after research, Smiling Mind nails it. We’ve gone back to it multiple times and noticed positive changes. While it may seem geared towards the younger crowd, it caters to adults too. Bonus points for the Aussie voices, a delightful departure from the US and UK-dominated market.
• Recommendations: Dive into the NAIDOC Week Meditation led by the iconic Uncle Jack Charles. For a mindful commute, check out the Daily Commute series. The 21 Night Sleep Program is on our radar for building healthy habits and achieving a peaceful night’s sleep. Free, user-friendly, and boasting local talent—it gets a high recommendation.

iBreathe

• Cost: Free (with an option to upgrade for ad-free access)
• Straightforward Approach: iBreathe keeps it astonishingly simple, focusing on basic breathing techniques. With methods like 4-7-8 and Ujjayi rooted in pranayama yoga, it aims to calm both mind and body. The super simple Box breathing method is handy for unexpected stress bouts. It’s free, but expect a few ads between sessions. If uninterrupted breathing is a priority, a small fee gets you ad-free access.

Calm

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• Cost: 7-day free trial, $79.99 for 1 year, $549.99 for a lifetime membership
• Why Calm? If the idea of the Duke of Hastings narrating your mindfulness journey sounds appealing, Calm is your go-to. It understands the art of a good snooze with sleep stories by Regé-Jean Page, Jesse Mei Li, and Cillian Murphy. Not just for better sleep, Calm offers a vast range of meditation tracks—covering Beginners, Work, Anxiety, Self-Care, and a Breaking Habits Series. The Bob Ross-led ASMR tracks are a soothing bonus. If you’re into calming guided meditation with ambient sound, the Sigur Rós Sound Bath Experience is a gem.

Headspace

• Cost: 7-day free trial, $12.99 per month, or $69.99 per year
• Our Pick: Headspace, beloved for a reason, offers a playful yet extensive range of guided meditations. Whether it’s Five Mindful Minutes or longer tracks, it’s a comprehensive mindfulness journey. Learn calming techniques from the zen master Yoda himself. It covers themes like managing financial stress, dealing with the complexities of sexuality, and handling external and internal pressures. Ideal for beginners or those focusing on specific life areas.

Unconventional Wisdom

• Cost: Priceless
• Out of the Box: Before you get lost in the sea of meditation apps, consider our hot tip: turn off notifications on your phone during work hours. It’s free, involves your phone, and after a week of trying it, we’ve seen great success. Silencing Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, and the like (except for essential texts from mom) has remarkably boosted focus and mindfulness. If traditional apps aren’t your vibe, this unconventional move might just be your game-changer.

In the vast landscape of mindfulness, whether through apps or unique hacks, the journey is diverse. Find what resonates with you, be it classic meditation or engagement with daily activities. The pursuit of less stress and improved sleep has many avenues—explore and discover what works for you.