iPhone App: Stress Free With Deepak Chopra
December 20th, 2009
= 4 stars
Reduce stress using this iPhone app featuring mind-body healing expert Deepak Chopra.
The Good
- Pretty much everyone would benefit from less stress in their lives.
- Deepak Chopra (authority in the field of mind-body healing), makes regular appearances in the form of videos, audio narration, writings, and even email – you receive daily advice and reminders of your progress, and Chopra himself promises to regularly answer selected questions sent from app users. Although Chopra’s presence is an illusion of technology, it feels like a direct conversation, which is a big help toward sticking with the program.
- A path consisting of six keys is unlocked through sequential activities. I personally found this linear approach more satisfying than the circular, do-what-you-like method of the Live Happy app (also made by Signal Patterns).
- I believe the exercises contained within (relaxation, music therapy, yoga, meditation, savoring good things) can work to reduce stress. They are well thought out and the makers of the app seem sincere in their intent to help people – this isn’t a quick fix. The biggest barrier is the user’s discipline over time, which is no fault of the app.
The Bad
- Different volume levels between videos and audio files; I found myself regularly adjusting the iPhone volume to compensate.
- The interface could use a little more polish. Some scrolling text areas are draggable while they’re scrolling along with audio narration, resulting in a tug-of-war. The navigation is sometimes confusing, as I’ve had trouble revisiting some of the videos (hint: tap the “i” icon in the upper right).
- Relieving stress may be priceless, but $9.99 feels a little high.
Conclusion
Stress Free With Deepak Chopra is an improvement over the Live Happy app because of a more linear approach, plus it has the persuasive power of Chopra’s calming personality to help one stick to the program. And did I feel less stress while testing the app? Well, let’s just say I’ve gotten through both Thanksgiving, a winter holiday, and a blizzard without any weight gain. Namaste.
iTunes App Store Link: 
(Disclosure: This review requested by developer, and I received a free review copy of the iPhone app)
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Posted In: $9.99 iPhone Apps, 4 Star iPhone Apps, iPhone Apps
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A real audio and video interface with the instructor in direct is really an innovative attempt in an iphone app. The Developer has thought uniquely to come up with this kind of an app. Hat's off to the team who developed this app.
Sanjay – as part of the team at Signal Patterns (http://www.signalpatterns.com/iphone) that worked w/Deepak to design and build the app, we really appreciate your note. We did work quite hard to make it a 'personal' app, to really get Deepak to be with you as you go through the app.