Meditation? I’ve Got An App For That!
I know, I know, I know! Meditation? Sitting down and clearing your mind? Impossible with ADHD. Or is it? I’ve always really struggled to relax (or sit still for more than thirty seconds) but now, the Balance app is my go to any time I feel anxious or overwhelmed, when I’m struggling to sleep or when I need to focus. This app is fuss free, easy to navigate and they offer a 1 year free trial. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to stick with it but I’ve been using this app for around three years now and love it.
So why does this app work? The Balance app offers both variety and familiarity which means it satisfies both the autistic and ADHD side of my brain at the same time! There are two options for the voices: Ofuso and Leah. I chose Ofuso because, in my opinion, he has the most comforting voice in the world. The voice provides the familiarity every time. You can adjust the length of most of the meditations which means you can do 3 or 5 minutes when you want or 10 or 20 minutes when you need a little longer. Most of the individual meditations are slightly different each time which appeals to the novelty-seeking ADHD. They update and add new ones but everything is neatly organised.
If you’re completely new to meditation then starting with the plans gives you a place to start and a straight forward programme to follow. The plans are 10 part guides to meditating but you don’t have to do it in ten consecutive days, you can just come to it whenever suits you. There are Foundation plans, Advanced plans and themed plans such as Energy or Work Stress. It was by working through these plans that I learnt there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to meditate. Ofuso was impressed with me simply for turning up and taking time out of my day.
If you’re looking for sleep support options, there is a whole section with soundscapes, sleep meditations and even sleep journeys. Whether you need the sound of a fan, white noise or a soothing voice guiding you through a muscle relaxation, there’s an option available and they take on user feedback to create new ones too. I have found the sleep sounds invaluable especially when I am away from home. The Ocean Sleep Sounds is my favourite but I also like the Up at Night and the newer Rainy Woods.
I still forget to meditate or sometimes can’t settle but simply having the option of reaching for the Balance app has made a huge difference. I enjoy taking a short break with my earbuds in and meditating. I learnt that it is okay to be aware of noises and distractions, I can make them part of my meditation instead of trying to fight to block them out. I’ve also been able to use the visualisation techniques and thought labelling in everyday life which helps reduce overwhelm or thought spirals. What has surprised me most, is that the more days I meditate, the less anxious I am and the better my mental health.
Perhaps you’re looking for a way to calm that busy brain or you’ve always wanted to meditate but didn’t think it was for you, then maybe the Balance app is the place to start - at your own pace, in your own space, just learning how to take a few moments for yourself.
