I tried a mindfulness app for a week-here's how it went

Cosmo intern Ria Tambekar decided it was time to get off the stress express. Spoiler alert: Turns out it isn't impossible to be happy.

- Ria Tambekar

Before I ramble to you about my self-improvement journey, here's a little something about me so I feel less like a stranger and more like a lovable mess:

1. I've never meditated a day in my life (until now).

2. I CANNOT wake up early (if and when I do, I think I deserve a paycheck for effort).

3. Taking breaks? Who needs 'em! Call me an expert at keeping myself busy ALL THE TIME.

4. I am a night owl and also a proud late-night binge-eater.

5. All hail fast food...leafy greens are basically my arch-nemesis.

Anyway, it took time but finally, driven by motivation and a need to make life improvements (thanks for the suggestions, dad and mom), the quintessential Gen Z that I am, decided to put technology to good use. Sceptical yet curious, I gave Headspace a mindfulness app that offers activities on guided meditation and relaxation a shot for one week.

I logged on and there it was...a list of areas which range from mindful eating habits to sleep hygiene and more to improve on.

After contemplating on my goal, and hoping no one's judging me (hello, from the other side of the screen), I clicked on the icons 'stress', 'being present', and 'anxiety'.

The interface was cute-think colourful illustrations and fun yet motivational quotes-and gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. And there I was...kick-starting the adventure with optimism and determination.

DAY 1-TUESDAY

As someone who cannot do without their morning sleep, dragging myself out of bed at 8:45am felt like 'Mission Impossible'. Despite starting my day early, I kicked off my week with Eva, my mentor on the app, and a meditation session paired with a podcast on the 'Basics of Breathing'. By midday, I was indulging in adorable videos of dolphins and penguins slipping on ice, a delightful distraction from work. Day one flew by quickly, serving as a pleasant reminder to take breaks more often.

DAY 2-WEDNESDAY