Lief App

I’ve been using this app for a few months and it’s been instrumental in getting me through some really tough spots in my life where stress has been high. I love how passive the device is, I don’t have to remember to do a breathing exercise or stop what I’m doing, I just get pinged exactly when I need it. I could even be in a meeting and I can just do the breathing exercise passively since the device vibrates under my shirt. The app sometimes has some connectivity issues and is a little buggy, but I’ve been noticing it getting better, and it hasn’t gotten in the way of reducing my stress.

It often takes multiple tries (opening and closing the app) for the app to connect to the Lief. It does not reliably download data from the Lief once connected. Finally, the app does not provide adequate breakdown of data in a format that is legible and useful. The bar graph at the top of the display is inadequate and hard to see. There is also no easy way to compare your data at certain times of day over time. There is also no way to add notes of what activity you were performing when your HRV dropped or rose (you can sort of track moods). I am not using a Lief Coach because the device was marketed as usable without one, but you are getting a less than basic experience if you’re just relying on the app.

I’ve been suffering from anxiety and stress for most of my adult life. When I first read about HRV biofeedback training I was a bit skeptical it could actually make a difference. However, I’d been noticing that I was always holding my breath at work and wanting to sigh. So I figured I’d give Lief a try to see if it could help me regulate my breathing better. Fast forward a few months and I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. I am much more aware of my triggers for stress, and I find myself turning to my breath often as a way to calm down. Even when I’m not wearing my Lief, I do the breathing exercise to help take the edge off. I think the Lief is a good tool to have for a few months while you learn about your baseline HRV and learn how to do the biofeedback exercise, but can eventually do it on your own.