Introduction
I’m venturing into somewhat uncharted territory for our family in today’s post. I want to take you along on this journey.
We’ve recently decided to explore the realm of mindfulness, and for this purpose, we’ve chosen the Headspace App as our guide. This decision, which I initiated, goes beyond just trying something new; it’s a proactive response to the challenges and pressures we face in this significant phase of our lives.
Mindfulness, a concept gaining traction in our fast-paced world, often seems like a beacon in the chaos. With the Headspace App, we aim to see if its tools and techniques can provide solace and clarity. However, it’s important to note that we’re approaching this with open minds but without set expectations. We’re hopeful, yet cautious, as we navigate through this experience.
I understand that investing in an app in terms of time and money is a significant decision. With this in mind, I want to offer an honest and transparent account of our experiences so that you can gauge whether Headspace is something you wish to try and invest in.
What is Headspace?
For the uninitiated, Headspace is more than just an app; it’s a gateway to a more mindful existence, and step towards mental wellbeing. Designed to guide users in meditation and mindfulness, it serves as a beacon for those seeking to reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and foster a sense of mental and emotional wellbeing.
With its diverse range of guided meditations, sleep stories, and mindfulness exercises, Headspace is a comprehensive tool in the journey towards inner peace.
Headspace Subscription Options and Costs
Understanding the value of Headspace starts with its subscription options. We opted for the Family Plan, priced at £74.99 for the year. This plan allows me to add up to five additional family members, who can access everything the app offers without extra cost. To qualify, they must live at the same address as the primary subscriber – in this case, me.
For those considering different options, Headspace also offers individual subscriptions. A single user costs £9.99 per month or a discounted rate of £29.99 for an annual payment. This flexibility in payment and plan options makes Headspace accessible for varying needs and budgets.
Why Headspace? Reflecting Our Midlife Realities
The journey beyond 50 brings its own set of trials and tribulations. This era often morphs into a complex mix of responsibilities and reflections.
We juggle the care of ageing parents, navigate through financial uncertainties, and sometimes confront the profound impact of significant life events like divorce or the loss of loved ones. It’s a time of deep introspection, where we evaluate our past choices and their impact on our present and future.
In my personal life, these challenges manifest in several ways. As a business owner in a fluctuating economy, I face constant stress and uncertainty. Family health issues add another layer of concern, while disrupted sleep patterns exacerbate daily stress.
This cascade of pressures doesn’t just affect me; my wife and daughters also face their battles with stress and anxiety
Our Journey with Headspace
Headspace offers more than temporary relief; it’s a tool for building lasting resilience and rediscovering joy in life’s simpler moments. Through this app, we hope to:
- Develop strategies to manage the unique stresses characteristic of our current life stage.
- Enhance our sleep quality, a critical aspect of health that often deteriorates with age.
- Cultivate a more focused and clear mindset to navigate our thoughts and emotions.
- Foster a sense of togetherness in our family as we embark on this wellness journey.
This Blog Series
I will lead the narrative in this blog series, sharing my experiences and insights as we integrate Headspace into our daily lives. While my wife and daughters will also be utilising the app, as the primary author of this series and a man in my 50s, I will focus primarily on how this journey reflects and impacts someone of my demographic.
The series will be an honest and in-depth exploration of my journey with Headspace. I plan to delve into its various features and share how they resonate with and transform my daily routine and mindset. My updates at the one, three, six, and twelve-month marks will not only chart my progress but also offer a window into the practicalities and effects of mindfulness for men in our age group.
A Message to My Peers
To my fellow men navigating the journey beyond 50, I want to emphasise that prioritising your mental health is never too late. The myriad challenges we encounter are not ours alone; they are shared, though often silently, among many of us at this stage of life. We must shift this dynamic. Opening up about our mental wellbeing, discussing our concerns, and exploring various avenues for support can be transformative.
While conversations are fundamental, they are just one part of a broader spectrum of resources. Tools like the Headspace app represent alternative paths we might take on our journey towards mindfulness and mental wellness. These resources can offer valuable support through meditation, guided reflection, or simply engaging with a supportive community.
The journey to better mental health is not one-dimensional. It involves exploring different strategies and finding what resonates with us individually. As we each find our way, let’s encourage one another to consider all the tools at our disposal through dialogue, digital apps like Headspace, or any other method that may bring balance and peace to our lives.
Conclusion
As we step into this journey with Headspace, I invite you to pause and reflect on your life path. Consider exploring mindfulness as a tool for navigating the challenges and opportunities of this life stage.
Here’s to embracing tranquillity and strength in what I call ‘Act Two’ of our lives. Stay mindful and connected, and I’ll update you on how my mental wellbeing journey has gone in one month!