If you could be happier in 10 days, wouldn’t you want to be?
If you’re the jaded New Yorker we’ve all become, the cynic in you just sneered and clicked away. But if you’re still looking for the small change that just might make a huge impact – that glimmer of hope that humanity is not all Finstagram and rainbow chia bowls, well then Headspace might just be what you’re looking for. A study they just recently ran showed that only 10 days of Headspace increased positivity and well-being.
I’ve always thought I was broken when it came to meditation. I’ve tried it many times – usually referring to Bikram Yoga as trying to find some fucking zen since it seems to be the closest thing to meditating and focusing I can do. So, like many, I’ve really struggled with meditation. I thought I just wasn’t cut out for it – my mind was just not able to shut off and focus on anything without focusing on everything.
But I just didn’t have the right direction.
Just like having the right running shoes or ski equipment, you need the proper tools to get you to the finish line or bottom of a hill. You wouldn’t just head to the top of a mountain in flip flops in four feet of snow without knowing how to get down.
And Headspace has really found a way to help the masses find the ability and time to actually integrate meditation into their lifestyles. I’m talking five minutes on a NYC subway here people. Game changer.
Here’s a few reasons you should check it out:
First of all, it’s free.
You can download the Headspace app for FREE and try the basics (a 10-day challenge) with no other commitments. Just do it for yourself. Then if you still say F it meditation isn’t for me – no one is there to judge you. But I think you might just find it to do the opposite.
Even better – use this link and get 40% an ENTIRE YEAR if you sign up before July 4, 2018 (it’s only $57!).
Yes, it really takes only five min on the subway
I don’t know why I didn’t think of this earlier. I mean, who’s not already wearing headphones (even without any music just to avoid people **raises hand**) and sitting down for at least five minutes. If it’s not that long, you shouldn’t be wasting your $2.75 on the MTA. This article basically spoke to me. Check it out.
Lower that stress
You don’t have to live in NYC to feel the stress of everyday life all around you. Headspace decreases that stress. They’ve been doing some internal studies – and one was published in the top mindfulness journal that found only 10 days of Headspace reduced stress by 14%. TEN DAYS.
Be nice. That includes to yourself
I’m a data nerd, and Headspace has some pretty compelling numbers you can’t ignore. According to the website, “separate studies conducted by Northeastern University found that 3 weeks of Headspace increased compassion by 23% and reduced aggression by 57%. In addition, an internal study found 10 days of Headspace reduced irritability by 27%.”
I bet you’re thinking the same thing – why isn’t meditation required in schools? Well, they’re getting there and Headspace is actually already free and available to a number of public schools around the country.
And best for last – get focused. Yes, you can.
It’s sad but Americans spend almost half of their waking hours lost in thought and distracted. Think about that next time you kill time by checking Facebook on your phone instead of actually enjoying the park you’re sitting in. Put. It. Down. Research also showed that Headspace improved focus by 14% and significantly decreased mind-wandering. It’s that simple.
There’s a lot of bad in the world, so we need to find the balance by evening it out with some good. Headspace has done their part but now it’s time to do yours. Do yourself and your neighbor a favor and just give this app a five-minute try. How can you not with those numbers above?
And one number for you – 40% off for the year if you sign up by July 4th. That’s only $57 for 365 days of change-your-life experience. Instead of those drinks at happy hour, do something that’s actually good for your body. Sign up now, here.
