It’s easy to get overwhelmed with negativity in your everyday life. Troubling news stories, challenges in your career, personal life stresses—we’ve all been there. From mindfulness breathing and relaxation techniques to calming soundscapes, these uplifting apps have the power to make you feel good about yourself and whatever comes your way.
If you’re a visual learner:
Try Headspace
Headspace is a meditation app that is easy on the ears and eyes. Besides boasting a minimalist design that is user-friendly, the app uses adorable animation videos to explain meditation concepts, making its content easy to grasp. Find your zen with its ‘Take10’ series—10 sessions of 10 minute meditations—that lay down the basic principles of meditation, after which a subscription is required to unlock other sessions that focus on areas such as managing anxiety, productivity at work, and happiness.
First week free, then US $12.99/ month; or first 2 weeks free, then US $69.99/ year
If you love the sound of nature:
Try Calm
Calm‘s guided meditations accompanied with soothing music and nature sounds are instantly calming. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an advanced practitioner, the app has something for everyone. Start your day with its 10-minute ‘Daily Calm’ guided meditations, and have a good night’s rest with ‘Sleep Stories’.
First week free, then US $69.99/ year; or US $399.99 for life
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If you want to track your emotions:
Try Stop, Breathe & Think
Stop, Breathe & Think encourages mindful breathing to create space between your thoughts, emotions and reactions. Check in with your current emotions and enter them in the app to get personalised meditations and activities that are accessible across multiple platforms.
Free for foundational meditations. Premium membership: US $5.91/ month
If you’re constantly on-the-go:
Try Aura
Feeling stressed, anxious, or having trouble sleeping? Aura has all that you need. With tracks as short as 3 minutes, there’s no excuse even when you’re short on time.
Premium subscription at US $11.99/ month, US $94.99/ year, or US $399 for life
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If you want to connect:
Try 10% Happier
10% Happier connects you with the world’s top mindfulness experts who will walk you through guided meditations and practical teachings—you can even reach out to the coaches directly and send questions to them via the app. Choose from exercises designed to lower your stress levels, increase your capacity for joy, and quiet your mind at the end of the day.
First week free, then US $99/ year.
If you’re looking for something for the whole family:
Try Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind aims “to provide accessible, life-long tools to support healthy minds” with its programs for all ages, developed by psychologists and educators. Whether you’re feeling particularly anxious at work or your child feels overwhelmed about an upcoming exam, the guided meditation sessions and specialised content has solutions for you and your family.
Free to use
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