As many of us are spending more time at home, trying to make sense of how the world has somewhat been turned on its head, those noisy, internal chatters and unwelcome butterflies may be creeping in with a little more force than usual.
And with the distraction of a nice dinner with friends, or heading to the movies currently off the cards, let’s focus instead on what we do have…
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No matter where you are, or how you’re feeling, there are a lot of incredible apps available to help ease anxieties and instill calmness.
Whether they help us breathe into the stillness, reflect on our inner thoughts, or reinvigorate the way we want to live for the future by creating some positive habits, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s our edit of the top 10, so the next time you’re feeling a little down, you can seek to download…
Headspace
Breathe in. Breathe out. According to Headspace’s science backed meditation. Just 10 days of participating in these guided meditations for any level, can increase happiness by 16%. Headspace will arm you with techniques to sit with anxiety-inducing thoughts and then let them go.
Check it out here: Headspace
Talk Space
Particularly now more than ever, this app might be just what you need. If you’re wanting to reach out to a therapist but don’t have the resources to do it the traditional way. Download this app, fill out the questionnaire that gives you a few suitable options, select your therapist and payment plan and away you go. Once you are all set up you’ll be able to call, video chat or message. They are even offering a COVID-19 anxiety management program.
Check it out here: Talkspace
Endel: Focus, Sleep, Relax
Endel explores your heart rate, location, weather and time to then generate your own personal “soundscape”. We have a playlist for every different mood, day of the week, holiday and even to suit the weather outside so a customised sound built to help us focus, sleep, relax and move makes complete and perfect sense.
Check them out here: Endel
Pause: Daily Mindfulness
A modern, digital approach to ancient meditation techniques, think Tai Chi but for your device. The soft and calming tones that make up the Pause app help you to regain focus and release stress within minutes.
Check it out here: Pause
Calm
If you’re after a better nights sleep, building self-esteem, reduced stress or to develop gratitude then have a play around with Calm’s 7 day trial and see if its suitable to you.
Calm has a library of bedtime stories to drift off to or listen to while you switch off. They even have readings by celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey. I don’t know about you, but something about that instantly makes me feel at ease..
Check it out here: Calm
Think-Ups
Just as we do push ups for our physical fitness, think-ups are here to boost our mental fitness. The psychological based games and exercises help to boost mood and reduce stress, not to mention they are fun. So if meditation isn’t your thing, this is a nice alternative.
Check it out here: Think-Ups
YOU: Small Action, Big Change
Perhaps its not the current climate making you uneasy, but the ever growing to-do list of uncompleted tasks. YOU will help you break down big goals into smaller, manageable actions and set you up with good habits for the rest of your life.
Check it out here: You
Moodnotes
One of the best ways to keep track of anxiety triggers is to take note of patterns. Reflect on when you’ve had a good or bad day and take note of why that was. Moodnotes is a simplified way to journal and keep tabs on whats impacting your happiness which will allow you to improve your thinking habits.
Check it out here: Moodnotes
Mend: Self Care For Breakups
Just in case you are dealing with anxiety fuelled by heartbreak. Our last two suggestions are break up specific coping apps. Mend offers a personalised self care program which includes daily audio trainings and writing prompts which enable you to help process and unpack any emotions you may be feeling.
Check it out here: Mend
Break-Up Boss
In the words of our favourite relationship expert “break ups suck, but you don’t have to suck at break ups”. Let Zoe empower you with all the tools you need to deal with the rollercoaster of anxiety and emotions that come with the end of a relationship, and have a little fun (if you can) while you’re at it.
Check it out here: Break-Up Boss
Some great apps here, I find humour helps too, laughter is a great medicine.
There is a lot out there to help with mental health problems at the moment. It is good to see some of these new tech options.
I love headspace – such a good app!
Great article to put out in this time BH!
Good information to know
Just some yoga practices: asanas to loosen up to sit at peace after…then pranayam (balancing then calming one) then sit in meditation…bliss
I try to watch funny shows or movies to help with my anxiety and stress.
Some very good suggestions here.
Yoga is also very good for mind, body relaxation.
Have never tried these Apps at all not sure if I would. But certainly interesting to see so many available.
I have used Headspace, a long time ago. Pretty sure I’ve used Calm too. Some great suggestions here. There’s lots out there, something for everyone.
I don't use apps as a rule, but these are a good idea for those who need them.
There's an app for everything these days! But I don't use a smartphone. I read a lot & do puzzles. I like the Wordhub website, also available as an app.
Great app to use. Thank you for help.
Mental Health is so important!! I’ve got the Smiling Mind app however I need to make more time to meditate. Anxiety and stress can get the best of me. Our global crisis atm is very overwhelming and we need to look after ourselves. Stay safe everyone xx
I love that there's so many resources for mental health issues
Some good tips here
I have several resources that I use to help with my mental health. It's amazing what is available now to help.
They sound great. Not sure about Matthew McConaghey reading me a bedtime story though. I'd rather have visual than audio there ;p
Very important especially with these times of corona virus and people losing their jobs creating anxiety.
This is quite important
So many to choose from here
Have used calm a few years ago.and it helped more then i anticipated .. need something like this right now
A very thoughtful article ; }
Mmm and a bath is very nice too
Spend time with my cats. Its hard to feel stressed when you are sitting and chatting with a cat while petting it. They are wonderful destressers.
Great suggestions… Meditation, movement and being around uplifting people really help my mental health and keep me on track…
Focusing on the positive works for me. We have so much to be grateful for.
A power walk clears the head for me, and I have my puzzle books and kindle to keep me relaxed.
Thanks for this, there are so many apps out there, sometimes I forget that there are really useful ones like these.
These are all good options, thanks. I found mindspot also a good site
Exercise helps me. Even those of us who aren't usually anxious probably are in todays uncertain world.
Some good suggestions. I also enjoy a good walk in nature with my dogs.
I watch the news updates and then I have to turn it off. I go for walks with my camera and work on my photos. A hobby is a must.
I don't have any apps on my phone like this, some of them sound great.
I've tried guide meditation works wonders
I’m sure some of these would be good for me but I’m too much of a cynic to believe they’d work for me. Argh, sometimes I really annoy myself!
This will come in handy I think. I dont mind being alone but no social contact at all is strange for me.
I'm a Psychologist and would highly recommend Smiling Minds. It's developed by Psychologists and lots of people who have used it have had good results.
I use Calm & find that it does help, although I only take advantage of the more "free" side of it (would stump up the cash & pay for the premium side of it, if I could afford it). It's still pretty good though & I find the music can relax me.
Perfect article for this current climate. Turns out I have plenty of time to explore them all!
I think everyone needs to be proactive a develop a list of strategies and activities that they can go to in times of stress and emotional dysregulation.
Some interesting apps here and something to look at in today's social distancing environment.
I use Headspace, mainly when I can’t sleep.
It seems to really help.
Some great apps, meditation can help, trying to stay active is really hard .
I've reported the spam by Elisa01 and kruph joy on the "SERIAL SPAM MEMBER ON BH" thread.
Big fan of Calm. It's important to look after your mental health and this helps me do excatly that – calm down haha.
Headspace is fab I've found it really helpful over the last 3 weeks so far.
These are great, thanks. I'm going to check them out.
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