Can a Virtual Meditation Studio Really Improve Your Mental Health?

Mental health is an area that is often neglected by females. In fact, Beyond Blue has found that approximately 1 in 6 Australian women will experience depression, while 1 in 3 women will encounter anxiety at some point in their lives. 

While the reasons for this complex matter should certainly not be over-simplified, they can often be attributed to the difficulty of attaining aid that is affordable and easy to access. And although there are a number of mental health apps available to support women seeking a little self care (particularly poignant as we mark R U OK Day this Thursday), here’s why these two women opted to invest in Soul Alive –  Australia’s favourite virtual mindfulness studio.

About the app

Soul Alive is the brain child of entrepreneur Luke McLeod, who drew on a series of life altering events to delve deeper into meditation as a coping mechanism. His transformative journey took him to the Tushita Meditation Centre in India, where he studied various forms of meditation under the spiritual guidance of the Dalai Lama himself before launching virtual mindfulness studio Soul Alive as an app in 2019.

With the app allowing users a plethora of options to help them relax, wind down, and implement mindfulness into their lives in a convenient way, it’s unsurprising a growing number of women continue to sign up. Michele McGuinness are Marie Sweeney are two of them, opting to download the mental health app in an effort to help them relax and unwind. 

“I’ve noticed that I’m calmer and able to deal with the every day problems better since join Soul Alive and have met some beautiful new friends from the group too,” says Michele. “Luke has a very calming vibe about him which I find helps me with meditation a lot.”

Live guided meditation classes

Soul Alive also allows users to dive into personalised and powerful meditation experiences with some of Australia’s favourite meditation teachers,  “I love how I can interact, ask questions, and chat with fellow members during these live streamed sessions,” says Michelle. “Plus, you can revisit classes at your convenience.”

Daily mindful moments

According to Primary School Teacher Marie, another one of Soul Alive’s best features is its ability to deliver three daily mindful moments – one for morning, afternoon, and evening, often when she needs them most.

“These bite sized activities include breathing exercises, meditations, thought provoking articles, and science backed mindfulness insights to help me stay connected and feel my best every day.”

A soul library

Users of Soul Alive can also access and explore a treasure trove of resources designed to help you navigate life’s challenges and embrace the present moment. “

Users of Soul Alive can also access and explore a treasure trove of resources designed to help you navigate life’s challenges and embrace the present moment. “I love the library,” says Marie. “It includes guided meditations for stress and anxiety, focus-enhancing breathing exercises, meditation tips and theory, and even soothing sounds of nature to aid in restful sleep.”

The soul series

Finally, one of Marie’s favourite features of the Soul Alive app is its ability to allow her to dive deeper into her mindfulness practice with specially curated mindfulness programs. “You can use the programs to enhance your meditation skills and cultivate mindful living habits. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there’s something here for you,” she says.