Meditation Apps and Taking Care of You
Staying healthy is more important than ever before as we try to slow the spread of COVID-19. We all know that eating healthy food and exercising is conducive to that goal, but did you know that meditation is, as well?
Research shows that meditation is beneficial for both physical and mental health, and may reduce blood pressure, pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia, as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
As we transition into a new normal and navigate a world in the midst of a pandemic, taking some time for meditation is more important than ever before.
The Best Meditation Apps in 2020
Meditation apps have seen a boost in downloads during the coronavirus pandemic as people find ways to cope with added stress. Prioritize your physical and emotional health with the following apps:
1. Headspace
Branded “your gym membership for the mind,” the team at Headspace believes that your mind is a muscle that deserves just as much attention as the ones you work out at the gym. The app provides structured meditation courses, offering the experience of an in-person class from the safety of your home, as well as sleep music and soundscapes.
2. Calm
With guided sessions that range from 3 to 25 minutes, Calm will help you sleep, meditate and relax. Choose from programs geared toward beginner, intermediate and advanced users that are designed to fit your schedule and needs. Or, drift off to sleep with Sleep Stories that are guaranteed to lull you into a restful slumber.
3. Aura
Calm your nerves quickly with Aura’s 3-minute sessions, 30-second anxiety busters and empowering audio tracks. With a diverse selection of the world’s top coaches and therapists at your disposal, you are guaranteed to find a coach who resonates with you.
4. Inscape
Inspired by Inscape, a meditation studio in New York City, the app by the same name offers guided meditations, custom sleep sessions, stress reducers and playlists for real-life circumstances (Overcoming Your Fears, Study Chill, Tinder Troubles, and more).
5. Smiling Mind
This free meditation app was developed by psychologists and educators and includes a variety of programs for all ages. Smiling Mind is unique in that it is 100% not-for-profit and focusing on impact, rather than the bottom line.
6. 10% Happier
Do you think you suck at meditation? 10% Happier was made for you! The app is great for beginners and connects users to expert teachers who will walk you through the basics, and help you stay balanced when you feel stressed. They will even personally respond to your questions, usually within the day!
7. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a quality app that’s also free! A rare find! It includes over 40,000 guided sessions, relaxing music tracks, therapeutic pep talks and even a section for kids.
8. Stop, Think & Breathe
Check in with your feelings and then receive meditations tailored to your particular needs each day with Stop, Think & Breathe. This app is geared toward the “under 25” crowd and its goal is “to help kids, teens and young adults build the emotional strength to tackle life’s ups and downs.”
9. Buddhify
According to Buddhify, adding a little Buddhification in your everyday life will make a world of difference in your overall wellbeing. The app includes both formal meditations and on-the-go meditation sessions that are “designed to fit into a busy modern lifestyle.”
10. Simple Habit
This app provides “stress relief for busy people” with quick, 5-minute meditation sessions, led by a variety of professionals—including yoga teachers, former monks, psychologists, meditation trainers and mindfulness coaches. Simple Habit allows you to choose from over 1,000 meditation sessions based on your unique situation or goals.