Show HN: Instant stress reduction app for non-meditators with immersive sound | Hacker News Reader

Show HN: Instant stress reduction app for non-meditators with immersive sound

olo.space

Hi, thanks for the app! I've been using it for a few days now (a couple dips and dives) and enjoy it.

I do often find it immersive and sometimes notice myself generating mental imagery to match the sounds.

My one complaint is that after every session, it asks for notification permissions. For me, no, i don't want to give your stress reduction app the ability to pester me :) I have no problem that the app asks for this, but I don't think it should do so after every session.

I would be interested in what studies/papers/research is/are backing up the methods used by Olo, I haven't found any on the linked homepage. It does sound intriguing but in this crowded space of mental health apps I think referencing specific scientific research is crucial for standing out and honesty.

Thanks for the comment. We think so too, and should add more references to our site. Here are a few relevant studies and books:

In his book "Mind Wandering," Moshe Bar takes a deep dive into the positive aspects of this natural human phenomenon. He shows how mind wandering can be a powerful tool for creativity, problem-solving, and personal growth. Bar argues that with the right mindset, mind wandering can lead to novel insights and breakthroughs that we would never have found otherwise. https://www.moshebar.org

Mind-wandering is often seen as a negative thing linked to poor mental health, but since it happens so often, it must have some purpose in how we think. It can be filled with negative or positive thoughts, with positive mind-wandering linked to a healthy and satisfying mental life. Positive mind-wandering allows the mind to think creatively and find new solutions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348117822_Negative_...

In a world that values productivity, mind-wandering has a bad reputation. However, research shows it can be useful and important for creative thinking and problem-solving. Mind-wandering is often about the future and can help us plan and imagine positive outcomes. https://www.cbc.ca/life/wellness/it-s-ok-to-let-your-mind-wa...

Mind-wandering can have positive effects on creativity, productivity, and happiness. Research shows that mind-wandering can lead to novel ideas, enhanced creativity, and improved job performance. However, the content of mind-wandering matters - engaging in interesting, off-task musings can lead to more positive moods, whereas rumination can be unhealthy. Mind-wandering can be directed towards more positive thoughts, which can be helpful when work is mind-numbing. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_mind_wande...

Direct link to App Store: https://apple.co/3YPKc4q

Olo uses immersive audio and is the first and only solution based on positive mind wandering as an alternative to concentration meditation. You don’t need to know anything or do anything. Use headphones, close your eyes, and let go. Olo sound journeys are designed with sounds from high biodiversity places on Earth. Try it without payment or email!

How is this different from Calm or Headspace? The UI looks cool tho.

Thanks for asking! Three things: 1) You don’t need to know or learn meditation, just enjoy and be curious. 2) You don’t need to search and choose content. 3) Immersive sounds from real biodivercity places that make you feel like you are in nature.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com