Life can sometimes feel overwhelming without warning. Last year, I experienced a phase when anxiety, loneliness, and depression made even the simplest tasks feel immense. I lacked the energy to discuss these feelings with anyone, even myself.
Realizing I needed to regain control, I discovered How We Feel, a unique journaling app created by Pinterest’s co-founder, Ben Silbermann, in collaboration with scientists, designers, engineers, and psychologists dedicated to enhancing emotional well-being. Here’s how the app assisted me in managing my mental health challenges.
The Benefits of Journaling for Emotional Wellbeing
While searching for solutions, I encountered a blog from the University of Rochester Medical Center, which explained how journaling could identify the roots of stress or anxiety. Recognizing these triggers enables you to devise a plan for addressing them and reducing stress.
This insight drove me to find an app that would facilitate jotting down my thoughts visually. Enter How We Feel. Unlike conventional journaling apps, it employs a visual and guided approach. Initially, you select a core emotional state: High or Low Energy, and Pleasant or Unpleasant.
Navigating Your Emotional Spectrum with How We Feel
Upon making your selection, the app unveils a broader emotional spectrum, similar to a color picker. You can locate the specific emotion that resonates most—be it “hopeful,” “angry,” “anxious,” or even “content.” With numerous options available, you can select the one that best fits your emotional state.
After identifying your feeling, you can tag the situation by indicating who you’re with, what you’re doing, and where you are. For instance, if I feel low at home, I’ll tag it as “Me, By myself, At home.” Conversely, if I feel energized and happy at work, I’ll tag it as “With coworkers, At work.” These details gradually construct a map of your emotional landscape.
Next comes the journaling aspect—optional yet potent. You can express your thoughts freely or record a voice note. On days when finding the right words is challenging, the voice recording option has been a silent lifeline.
Understanding Emotional Patterns and Gaining Insights
The app’s real power lies in its insightful analysis. By visiting the Analyze section, you can review the emotions you felt most frequently, where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing—all tracked using the tags mentioned earlier. It even monitors your physical activity, helping determine if it impacts your mood and behavior.
These insights are more than just statistics; they serve as emotional breadcrumbs. Regular usage revealed to me that I felt my lowest when alone at home, which often triggered painful memories and deepened my loneliness. In contrast, I thrived while working, being productive, and connecting with others.
Reviewing my journals unveiled disturbing patterns, which, while difficult to confront, were essential for growth. I discovered that productivity not only instilled a sense of accomplishment but also elevated my mood. Conversely, inertia often spiraled into feelings of worthlessness. As I recognized these patterns, I began to implement positive changes. I started going for walks when I felt low, spending time with friends, or setting manageable tasks to break the cycle.
Additinally, the app features an AI-driven Reflect option for deeper exploration of your emotional state. Other exercises are included to further enhance your understanding of your thoughts. However, aware of mental health’s sensitivity, How We Feel provides hotlines for professional assistance.
Why How We Feel is an Important Start
It’s crucial to note that How We Feel is not a substitute for therapy, nor is it a universal remedy. However, it brings forth a significant element: self-awareness. In today’s world, where we often distract ourselves with technology or unhealthy habits, the app encourages you to pause, reflect, and understand your current emotional state.
It has been incredibly beneficial for me, and although I’m less active on the app now, it reflects my improved emotional state since last year. If you find yourself in a similar situation and wish to make positive changes, I highly recommend trying this app. It may show you, as it did for me, that your feelings are communicating a vital message, and that recognition may be the first step towards healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About How We Feel
What is How We Feel app?
The How We Feel app is a unique journaling platform that helps users identify and understand their emotions through a guided, visual approach. It allows for tagging emotional states and offers insights based on user interactions.
How can How We Feel help with anxiety?
The app provides tools for tracking emotional patterns, identifying stressors, and overall enhancing emotional well-being. By helping users gain insights into their emotional landscape, it can aid in managing anxiety effectively.
Is How We Feel a replacement for therapy?
No, the app is not a substitute for therapy. It serves as a supplemental tool for self-reflection and awareness but should not replace professional mental health support.
Can How We Feel improve mental health?
While it’s not a guaranteed solution, using How We Feel can promote awareness and understanding of one’s emotions, which are essential components in improving mental health over time.
Where can I find support using How We Feel?
The app includes resources such as hotlines for professional mental health support, ensuring users have access to necessary help when needed.