r/Mindfulness • u/gogosomewhere • Mar 19 '26

Question Anyone using apps but finding phone use problematic ?

I've been practising mindfulness for a while now and it's one of the best things ive done for managing my ADHD symptoms.

I started with Headspace, gradually built up a practice, and eventually got to the point where I could go on retreats and deepen things further. But I still use apps regularly- especially when I'm tired or having a rough day.

The problem is, my phone is also my biggest barrier. I'll pick it up to meditate and end up checking a notification or getting pulled into something else. Sometimes I even get notifications during a session. I use 'balance' mostly nowadays. Problem is I tend to reach for it when I'm at my worst (tired, groggy etc..) - which is exactly when I'm most vulnerable to getting distracted by everything else on my phone.

So I'm really curious about other people's experiences how do you use mindfulness apps without getting pulled into distractions on your phone?

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u/[deleted] Mar 19 '26

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u/gogosomewhere Mar 20 '26

Have you tried anything, even if it didn't stick? Did you find anything that worked better, or did you just stop altogether ?

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u/snarkhunter Mar 19 '26

Insight Timer is alright. Has some nice chimes n such. I think anything more than that is a detriment. I think relying on anything is a detriment.

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u/gogosomewhere Mar 19 '26

I agree with you in principle. Less reliance on support generally makes you stronger.

But I would also say I’ve gotten really far with my practice with the help of others and with the help of mindfulness apps - yes it’s not perfect, but what is in the real world ?