Accepting and understanding the world around us can be hard. There are stresses and strains on all of us, whether it be work, health, relationship difficulties or something else. We all face adversity, but it’s how we deal with it that makes us stronger or breaks us. Sometimes, dealing with these adversities can be particularly difficult. I’ve recently come across The Meaning Of Life App and found it helpful during what is currently a difficult time for me. So I thought I’d share it with you!
This product was suggested as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a recommendation, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
The Meaning Of Life App is a 30 day programme aimed at helping participants to discover more happiness, purpose and meaning in their lives. One of the things I love about the app is that you can take away from it what you need in order to improve your life. From breathing exercises to help you manage stressful situations better to a whole new outlook on the world, there really is something for everyone.
The Meaning Of Life App is easy to navigate your way round and works well as a stand-alone app. It’s also used as a tool in The Gupta Programme. This programme is aimed at those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and other similar conditions.
There are three sections to The Meaning Of Life App; a series of videos to watch, a daily meditation and reflection questions. These are laid out as a course over 30 days, with a little of each element per day.
The Meaning Of Life App: Videos
I found The Meaning Of Life App videos very interesting. They are all based on scientific and psychological theories. I find these fascinating. There’s no need for prior knowledge, as all of the principles covered in The Meaning Of Life App are delivered in an easy to understand manner, with diagrams where relevant.
I started watching the videos every morning before I got up. I thought this would be a positive way to start the day. Unfortunately, Dan wasn’t too keen on this. He said he found the presenter’s voice annoying. Honestly, I think Ashok Gupta, the presenter and creator of the app, has the perfect voice for delivering a calming message. I think Dan was just being grumpy!
I usually watch YouTube videos when getting ready in the morning, so I switched these out for the videos from The Meaning Of Life App. You can access these both from the app and online, from The Meaning Of Life TV YouTube Channel. The only thing that I would say about watching from the YouTube channel is that the daily videos aren’t in the right order. They’re all clearly numbered though, so it isn’t hard to find what you’re looking for.
The only drawback about the videos for me is that the title sequence is quite flashy. This causes problems with my photosensitivity, affecting my basilar type and hemiplegic migraines. As The Meaning Of Life App is a tool in the Gupta Programme, the flashy title sequence surprised me. I have a few friends, both online and in real life, with ME/CFS, one of the main conditions that The Gupta Programme. Something that all my friends experience/have experienced is a sensitivity to light. So I’m concerned that this doesn’t seem to have been considered in the making of the opening titles. If you are photosensitive, please be careful when watching the videos. To get round this problem, I turn my laptop or phone round to face the wall and listen rather than watch.
The Meaning Of Life App: Meditation
The Meditation section of the app gives you two options, a 10 minute or 20 minute guided meditation. This allows you to tailor the programme to you. Whether you have a busy life, or want a longer guided meditation, the app caters for you.
Personally, I find meditation difficult. One of the ways I manage my pain is through distraction. As a result, I find guided meditation that asks you to become aware of various parts of the body hard. It’s like I’m having to go against my natural instinct. Despite this, I do appreciate the positive impact meditation can have, so have been persevering with the 10 minute options. I don’t think I could manage 20 minutes, and that’s ok. I may try incorporating the guided meditation with my yoga routine, something I’m working on increasing – very slowly!
The Meaning Of Life App: Journal Reflections
I particularly like the journal reflection questions in The Meaning Of Life App. These comprise of two or three questions related to the topic of the video, aiming to help you relate the video to your own life. There is also a section to note down 3 things you’re grateful for that day. This is a proven tool for helping those with mental health conditions. It’s a technique that I was introduced to to help me manage my PTSD and is most helpful when done just before bed. You can find out more about this in my 5 Techniques To Help Manage PTSD post. Prior to using The Meaning Of Life App, I recorded my 3 positives for the day in my bullet journal.
I’d highly recommend downloading The Meaning Of Life App. Whatever stage of life you’re at, I think everyone can benefit from using this app. I know I’ll be going back to the videos and re watching them. I’ve already recommended this app to friends! The Meaning Of Life App isn’t a substitute for therapy. However, I know that in many areas across the UK the waiting lists for mental health services are long. I think this app would be a helpful self-management tool for many people who find themselves waiting for the mental health support they need.
The Meaning Of Life App is available from the App Store and Google Play for free! Find out more at themeaningoflife.tv.
Have you tried The Meaning Of Life App? What do you do to help manage the stresses of daily life?
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