In a world where stress and anxiety are the norm, wellness apps have become increasingly popular. There are so many apps available to help you find peace and balance amid the chaos of daily life, but when you’re already at peak anxiety threshold, finding the right solution can be overwhelming. 😮💨
It’s a good idea to try different apps to find the one that suits you best, but if you’re short on time, I’ve got you! I tested out two apps, Othership and Headspace, and while they have a lot of similarities, one definitely checked more of my boxes than the other.
If sitting quietly doesn’t work for you… Othership
Maybe I’m doing it wrong, but meditation feels like just sitting quietly without moving. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t really work for me. My body starts to hurt and my mind starts to wonder.
Breathwork is the intentional manipulation of the breath–slow and deep breath or fast, shallow breathing, for example–that is meant to achieve a specific goal, such as regulating emotions or the nervous system.
It sounds really simple, but breath is a truly powerful thing, and as a breathwork app, this is where Othership shines.
Othership offers over 500 breathwork sessions based on any mood or intention you can imagine, including stress management, wake up routines, gratitude practice, and everything in between. My busy schedule leaves me prone to burnout, so my favorite sessions were focused on deep relaxation. 🧘♀️
If you love fully guided sessions… Tie
Headspace offers mostly guided meditation sessions, but there are also options for unguided sessions. If you prefer to meditate on your own without aid occasionally, this might be a good option for you.
All of the sessions in the Othership app are guided and include immersive sounds to keep you engaged. I personally find a lot of gratification in letting go and allowing myself to be guided through breathwork; my day-to-day responsibilities require a lot of energy, and it’s nice to be able to take a rare moment to surrender control and allow the app to work its magic.
If you need more energy and more groundedness … Othership
One of the things I like most about my experience with Othership is how active the sessions are, and how involved I feel in my own practice. While Headspace offers lots of opportunities to calm down and focus, Othership speaks to my need for physical movement as well as tranquility.
Othership categorizes their offerings in three areas: up, down, and all around, and each session is designed to meet you where you are at the moment.
If you are encouraged by immediate results… Othership
The truly remarkable thing about breathwork is that the results are quick. If you’re having a particularly stressful day or struggling with misalignment, you can cue up Othership and feel an emotional release after just one session. I found myself turning to Othership during moments I would normally feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and expectations, and the quick results I get from breathwork have made such a difference in my routine.
Overall, the winner is… Othership
Both apps are a great option for anyone looking to reduce their stress and anxiety, but when I compare them side by side, Othership is the clear winner. The guided breathwork, heavily customizable experience, and added features like visualization, vocalization, hypnosis, and somatic release therapy, among others, make it the most comprehensive option aligned with my needs.
After just a few weeks using Othership, my anxiety feels a lot more manageable, and I’m hitting fewer and fewer mental roadblocks during moments of high stress.
