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This year I started taking mediation seriously. I’ve been proactive in seeking out how to be successful in the process, and even included it in my morning routine.
When I was thinking about why I wanted to meditate, I realized I wanted to be able to wake up peacefully, start my day calmly, and at the same time seek clarity.
One morning I came across an article about the top downloaded apps in the Apple iTunes Store. Turns out, the Calm app was at the top of the list.
Why the Calm App
It must have been destiny because this is just what I needed. The app itself had a free 7 day mediation challenge to get you started. There are several categories (i.e. mediation for anxiety, reducing stress, for college students, etc.) available that you can unlock if you purchase the app.
Like most apps, you can try before you buy, and I must say the Calm app also has some amazing free features as well, if you’re not ready to commit quite yet.
Aside from the meditation challenges, I noticed the sleep section! I immediately thought of my son who is a total night owl, like me. He’s four and has the sleep patterns of a college student, stays up all night, sleeps in late. I tried everything to help get him to sleep, but I always ended up falling asleep on him while he was watching Pocoyo, Little Einsteins or Power Rangers. He was such a rager, I couldn’t keep up with him.
Taking the Calm App to Bed
I decided to introduce the Little Man to the app a few nights later. He quickly gravitated to it, explored the sights and sounds until finally he came across Moshi Twilight a story about a koala who’s trying to get to bed.
This is a nursery rhyme told by a lady with a very, very calming and mesmerizing voice. I had a few chuckles, but soon realized that 5 minutes into the 15 minute story, my Little Man was falling into a deep sleep! Yes! You can imagine my delight.
Here’s a little screen share tutorial I shared on our Facebook page. The app is really simple to use, and this feature is free.
The story is really sweet. And the best part is, the next day Little Man asked to “snuggle down” which is what the narrator says before she starts telling the story. The Calm app has indeed been very calming for him. I was amazed and taken aback to say the least. Nonetheless, beyond excited.
Real Results
Later in the week, I added the Calm app to my mom’s iPhone telling her she needed to try it out. I told her not to worry about the cost, that she could use it for free until she was ready.
While the Little Man was over at Grandma’s he saw the app on her phone and told her he wanted to “snuggle down.” Granted, Grandma didn’t know what that meant, so he tried to show her on the phone, but she ended up telling him no because she had to pay. It was a rough day for the both of them.
After a month of using the Calm app, Little Man asks for his Moshi Tales. Pinky has become accustomed to the bed time routine too. I won’t lie, it gets me to bed at times.
I’m very impressed and if I’m being honest, relieved that I was able to find something to help my boy fall asleep. I’m not saying the app is for everyone, but this mama right here is a believer in the Calm app for real. I still continue to see results.
How do you get your kids to sleep?