I have an anxiety problem. And let’s be honest, these days, with a third of the world’s population in lockdown due to the pandemic, we’re all dealing with anxiety in one form or another. Dealing with anxiety is a complicated task. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it’s all too easy to get stuck in a negative headspace or berate yourself for succumbing to stress.
I’m the kind of person who will seek out advice, but will drag my feet on implementing it. My dad had been telling me to try meditation apps for months by the time I got around to downloading one. As a meditation skeptic, I wasn’t particularly into it at first. But once I gave it a serious try – my opinion changed. I realized that meditation apps act as training wheels for those of us who aren’t naturally inclined to sit in silence. Personally, I find being guided through meditation a lot more comforting than trying to figure it out on my own.
Below I’ve listed the ones that have worked the best for me. Use these for help staying calm during a stressful day, to help switch off after work, to soothe a panic attack, or to help you fall asleep.
Headspace
Headspace is pretty well known, and it’s because its offerings are extensive. There are hundreds of guided meditations. mini-meditations, soundtracks to help you fall asleep, and meditations for emergencies. Panic attacks be gone! (We hope)
Calm
This is the app I use the most, and have been known to fall asleep while listening to the nature sound tracks. New content gets published every day and sessions range from 3 to 25 minutes. The gratitude, mindfulness, and anxiety-focused sessions are a particular standout.
Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a great option because of the experienced mindfulness teachers that create its content. Choose from different styles of practice like body scan or loving kindness. And let’s be honest, we could all use some extra kindness these days! The app also has a tracker that lets you chart your progress.
Aura
Aura is great because it goes beyond meditations to offer life coaching, stories, and music. All of which are personalized based on the mood you select when opening the app. Aura will also let you set reminders to take a breather throughout the day.
YogaGlo
This is a cool option as it has meditation and yoga class options, all led by experts in the field. Beginners, don’t stress – you can choose the level and length you’re comfortable with. I’ve started doing a few minutes of yoga right after my workday, and it helps to turn my work brain off and actually relax in the evenings.
