Have you always wanted to meditate but could never find the time in your hectic day, or simply didn’t know where to begin?
In these uncertain times, the opportunity to tap into parts of ourselves that we never knew before is not only possible but also necessary in order to remain as sane and centred as we can. Many applications and websites are providing resources to practice mindfulness, reduce stress and create healthy habits despite the chaos that surrounds us — but not all are created equal. Here are our picks for the apps you should check out, and what they have to offer.
Calm
You have no doubt been target marketed with Instagram and Facebook ads for this app, but it’s with good reason, it’s awesome! The principle is simple: Calm is a mindfulness meditation app that brings clarity and peace of mind into your life. If you’re a novice and don’t exactly know where to start in your search for enlightenment, we suggest you begin here. There’s also a business feature on this app, so get your colleagues and coworkers into the habit of intentional mindfulness, right from the comfort of their homes.
Available on iOS and on Google Play
Sanvello
A personal favourite, Sanvello is an app based on the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness meditation, strategies shown to provide effective relief for mental health concerns including anxiety and depression. It’s customizable, tracks your mood, movement, and behaviour on a daily basis, and as an added bonus, their premium package is available for free during this difficult time.
Available in the App Store and on Google Play
Headspace
It’s #1 on the App Store and is your best bet if you’re looking to make meditation and mindfulness a long-term practice. Like having a personal trainer or coach, Headspace builds your meditation muscle over a period of time, for only 10 minutes a session, making it ideal for any type of even the busiest of meditators.
Available on Windows, Chrome, iOS, and Android
Aura
Isn’t the name alone relaxing? This app is specifically made to improve your emotional health and transform your sleep. It is super personalized to your specific needs, and you can discover thousands of mindfulness meditations, stories, and life coaching tracks created by therapists and coaches around the world, personalized just for you.
Available on Windows, Chrome, iOS and Google Play
Omvana
Omvana is the dark horse of meditation apps and a good solution for people who are not sure if they want to spend money on this kind of app but want to try it out. It’s great for ambient tracks to relax while working, working out, cooking or even reading. The app is free and includes several tracks, but you can upgrade for more. The meditation tracks can range from simple meditation music to fully-guided meditation tracks.
Available on iOs and App Store.
White Noise Lite
Some might think that switching on a white noise app to fall asleep is counterintuitive, but the proof is in the pudding. Do you have trouble going to sleep? Are you travelling on a plane and need a quick power nap? Does your newborn baby wake up in the middle of the night? There are numerous benefits to using White Noise. From the sounds of a tropical rainstorm to a slow rocking boat, you can pick the right white noise for you, and it’s on a repetitive loop that goes for as long as you need it to.
Available on Windows, Chrome, iOS, and Android
Breethe
Unlike other apps, Breethe follows your daily habits and follows you along the way. It has meditations as short as five minutes, with tips on how to feel love, overcome pressure, live with intention, and advice on how to manifest a peaceful existence. And an added bonus: this app is free.
Available on Windows, Chrome, iOS, and Android
Namaste.
