5 Meditation Apps to Support Your Mental Health
Category: Misc.
Chances are you have heard of meditation. When some people think of meditation, they may think of people sitting criss-cross applesauce with their eyes closed, like the woman pictured above. While some may think of meditation like this, it doesn’t have to look like that. You don’t have to be in the woods, on the beach or in a temple to meditate. You can meditate in your office, on your couch, in your bed, or anywhere else you would like.
This week we’re going to dive into different meditation apps and how they can help you practice mindfulness, meditate, and support your mental health.
Topic Of Discussion
Chances are you have heard of meditation. When some people think of meditation, they may think of people sitting criss-cross applesauce with their eyes closed, like the woman pictured above. While some may think of meditation like this, it doesn’t have to look like that. You don’t have to be in the woods, on the beach or in a temple to meditate. You can meditate in your office, on your couch, in your bed, or anywhere else you would like.
This week we’re going to dive into different meditation apps and how they can help you practice mindfulness, meditate, and support your mental health.
Benefits of Meditation
Practicing meditation has several benefits. Some of these include:
- Reducing Stress. One of the most popular reasons that people meditate is to lower stress levels, and according to science, meditation does just that. According to a 2014 study, practicing meditation can lower levels of psychological stress and is helpful for overall well-being.
- Improving Sleep. If you have insomnia, a small 2014 study shows that people who meditate are able to improve their sleep schedules.
- Helping with Addictions. Since meditation typically requires a fair amount of self-awareness and discipline, a 2018 research review shows that the practice can help acknowledge and avoid triggers.
- Decreasing Blood Pressure. Meditation is very relaxing, and that relaxation may help to lower blood pressure, as seen in a 2015 study. This is because your body is not responding to stress during meditation as often as it usually would.
Our Recommended Meditation Apps:
One of the most widely known meditation apps, Calm has a lot to offer adults and children hoping to de-stress. Reviewers generally praise the app. What’s more, in a 2019 study in 88 college students, a majority of the participants said Calm helped reduce their stress.
Along with guided and unguided meditations of varying lengths, sleep stories, and relaxing sounds and music, you’ll also find a 30-day training program for meditation beginners. The app also offers classes on mindfulness, meditation, and related topics.
With playful and colorful animations, Headspace aims to make meditation feel both appealing and doable for anyone. Reviewers generally praise the app’s benefits along with the variety of content for meditators of all ages and skill levels.
New to meditation? Start with a 10-day guide to the basics. Trouble sleeping? Soothing meditations can help you wind down or get back to sleep in the middle of the night. Need to move? Try Move Mode for a mindful workout. Daily guided or themed meditations can help make the habit stick.
The educators and psychologists who designed Smiling Mind wanted to make it easier to add mindfulness and balance to daily life, no matter your age or schedule. Smiling Mind offers specialized meditations, including for:
- kids and teens
- relationships
- pregnancy
- work
- sleep
Reviewers have a lot of praise for the app’s clear, organized interface and the range of content available. Smiling Mind was developed by an Australian nonprofit, and all content is completely free.
This app, which was created by researchers at the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, has fewer meditations than other apps, but reviewers still praise the content. Several people emphasize the richness and quality of the meditations and podcasts.
UCLA Mindful doesn’t just help you get started with a regular meditation practice. The app also offers science-backed insight about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness along with tips on meditation postures, breathing, and choosing the best meditation for your needs.
Meditation and mindfulness, or the ability to stay present in a given moment, generally go hand-in-hand. If you’re just starting out with meditation, you can learn more about the benefits of mindfulness with The Mindfulness App’s 5-day beginner course.
This app also features timed and customizable meditations for adults and children, with or without guided narration. You can choose from specific themes, including:
- relationships
- emotions
- sleep
- workplace mindfulness
You also have the option to schedule meditation reminders.
How do I chose a meditation app?
With so many meditation apps now available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Consider the following when picking the app that’s right for you:
- Skill level. If you’re new to meditation, it’s a good idea to choose an app with beginner’s meditations and guided exercises. If you’re an advanced meditator, you might opt for an app with longer, more complex, or unguided meditations.
- Cost. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of free and low-cost options. Some apps offer student discounts.
- Time. If you’re short on time, consider choosing an easy-to-navigate app with brief meditation options.
- Reminders. If you have a hard time remembering to meditate, some apps let you set an alarm to remind you to begin your practice. This can help you get into a regular habit.
- Tracking. If you’d like to track your progress, consider an app with tracking features. Some apps let you track your average meditation time, total time, and your longest stretch.
- Style. Try to think about which app may best meet your style. Would you prefer one with animations? Natural sounds and scenery? A male or female voice? Whatever your style, there’s an app to match it.
- Special features. Besides meditation, many apps offer special features, such as mindful workout videos, “focus” music, and sleep stories. It’s a good idea to review all the features of an app before downloading it.
Let’s Recap!
Apps can offer a fun way to start a regular meditation practice and keep up the habit over time. That said, they’re absolutely not required. You have nearly as many options for ways to meditate as you do meditation apps, and plenty of people prefer to meditate without technological guidance.
Also keep in mind that while many people find meditation helpful for various reasons, it doesn’t work for everyone. It also can’t replace the benefits of therapy with a trained mental health professional.
If unwanted thoughts or emotional distress begin to intensify or increase instead of improve, a therapist can offer guidance and help you explore next steps.
Wanting more guidance on mindfulness, meditation, or help with some of life’s stress? Schedule an appointment with Tri-Star Counseling. Our therapist offer therapy services in Kingsport, Tennessee and online therapy across Tennessee for trauma, Substance Uses, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
