In our modern society there’s an increasing pressure to be busier than your neighbour. When enquiring how someone is, more often than not the response is “Soooo busy”. Sound familiar? Our busy schedules may make us feel important and fulfilled but it doesn’t do wonders for our stress hormones, often driving us the brink of burnout.
Feelings of anxiousness can impact every aspect of our lives from relationships to sleep. While there’s no substitute for seeking help from a health professional, introducing meaningful changes to your routine such as prioritising sleep, reducing screen time, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water and taking a multivitamin, can go a long way.
There is also a huge growth in wellbeing apps to make implementing positive change far more accessible on your own terms. There’s definitely no one-size-fits-all app for mindfulness and anxiety though, it’s all about finding the one right for you and your needs.
Read on to discover our favourite mindfulness apps to help tackle your anxiety…
Headspace
Perfect for: Meditation rookies
You’re aware of the plethora of benefits from meditation but have convinced yourself it’s not for you. Headspace can convert even the most meditation-averse people. Expect more creativity, innovation and resilience.
Cost: In-App Purchases | Free trials available
Calm
Perfect for: Poor sleepers
Calm brims with guided meditations to help you manage anxiety, lower stress and sleep better. Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users. Sleep Stories to help you fall into a deep sleep, while their range of music can help you to focus, relax, and sleep. There’s a serene way to fall asleep for everyone.
Cost: In-App Purchases | Free trials available
Brain.fm: Music for the Brain
Perfect for: Those that get worked up easily
Brain.fm uses patented science to create music that sounds different and ultimately affects your brain differently than any other music. Brain.fm music is unique and purpose-built to steer you into a desired mental state.
Cost: In-App Purchases | Free trials available
Worry Watch: Anxiety Journal
Perfect for: People that love personality quizzes
Built on cognitive science, this app allows you to record, reflect, reason and refute in a highly detailed yet easy-to-use way. It’s a streamlined form of journaling your anxiety for a more calm, happy, stress-free mind and provides you with a clear picture of your streaks and patterns.
Cost: $6.99
TalkLife for Stress and Anxiety
Perfect for: Y’all who need to vent
Engage in a supportive, safe and secure peer-to-peer network across the globe. If you’re partial to uploading your emotions to Facebook statuses - or feel compelled to - look into TalkLife and get constructive feedback you deserve. No to mention help others in similar situations feel comforted in your company.
Cost: In App Purchases
SuperBetter
Perfect for: Competitive people, or those that need a distraction
This interactive app is designed around gaming conventions to build resilience, strength, motivation and optimism. “Playing SuperBetter unlocks heroic potential to overcome tough situations and achieve goals that matter most.”
Cost: Free
Talkspace Online Therapy
Perfect for: Time-poor venters looking for some guidance
Removing the constraints of time and travel, Talkspace Online Therapy makes professional therapy with licensed practitioners accessible -- irrespective of your lifestyle. You go through a process to find a therapist that’s right for you and can contact them indefinitely with a fixed weekly subscription. It’s not the most affordable option out there, but you’re getting professional help for a fraction of the price of a traditional therapist.
Cost: Varies. Plans typically start from $65 per week. Student pricing is available.
HelloMind
Perfect for: Problem solvers
Low self-esteem, stress, fear, bad sleep and unhealthy habits sometimes hold us back from enjoying life to the fullest. HelloMind allows you to choose an area to work on e.g. eliminate a negative thought pattern, like a phobia, or lack of self-esteem, before guiding you through to a specific treatment.
Cost: In-App Purchases | From $12.99 USD ($20 NZD) per month or $119 USD ($185 NZD) per year
