Nov 18, 2025
Well, I have a new to me and probably to you do-dad to help with anxiety symptoms. It is the Opera Air Mindfulness browser. In addition to the standard browsing features it has tools to help you breath and relax, guided meditations and a musical audio mode that can help you focus. Is this a good or bad thing?
The TLDR: Some of the tech bros say it is a
gimmick and who in their right mind would use it? In my bad times,
I would have glommed on to it because I was looking for help. Lots
of people are looking for mental health support and aren't too
picky where they find it. (we should be, but when a person is in
pain they are going to do what they think they need to do.)
I like many of the features but there is a cost. Free ain't
free especially online.
Opera Air, like many other browsers is ad supported or allow
third party extensions to be used in the browser. Many browser
allow ads and cookie tracking to be passed onto those third party
data collectors.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can hide your location and computer. You generally need to tell it what you want. A free VPN can be problematic. Who is operating it, where is the data passing through and what if it is down and you don't know it? Or it is blocking you from seeing certain web sites?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can hide your location and computer. You generally need to tell it what you want. A free VPN can be problematic. Who is operating it, where is the data passing through and what if it is down and you don't know it? Or it is blocking you from seeing certain web sites?
The security features require users to turn them on. If you
don't, oopsie? Also, if you use those third party vendors
extensions, you are subject to their terms of service which might
include things you in no way agree to.
Again, I am not bashing the browser. I like the reminders about getting up and moving or taking a breathing breaks. But I do want folks to know what the benefits to you is versus cost of your privacy and personal information.
Again, I am not bashing the browser. I like the reminders about getting up and moving or taking a breathing breaks. But I do want folks to know what the benefits to you is versus cost of your privacy and personal information.
That will be up to you to decide.
Resources Mentioned:
If you would like to see how Opera Air works, Brett in Tech has an overview video of the
features of the software.
Before you download, I would suggest reading the Opera
Help Page and read the FAQs so that you understand what you
gain and give up when you use the browser.
If you are interested in giving it a try the address is
https://www.opera.com/air
Emergency Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text
838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving
overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the
Veteran line and international calling options.
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for
free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates
independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or
WhatsApp as a means of contact.
Disclaimer:
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.
This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.