Yes, You Can Chill Out And Be Mindful

You wouldn’t think to use your phone to relax, be in the present and find your zen. But there are mindfulness apps that will take you away from your work email, that social media hangover and whatever else is nagging you on your phone.

mindfulness apps, a woman in a zen statephoto credit: shutterstock

Mindfulness apps to download RN

You wouldn’t think to use your phone to relax, be in the present and find your zen. But there are mindfulness apps that will take you away from your work email, that social media hangover and whatever else is nagging you on your phone.

Need a break? Try Aura

What the app developers say: “Put yourself first with Aura. Relieve stress and anxiety with Aura, the most technologically-advanced, simplest, and effective meditation platform. Created by the top meditation teachers/therapists, personalized by AI, offered for free for everyone.”

Why it’s on our list: Tell this app a bit about yourself and how you’re feeling (great, anxious, sad) and it will deliver a three-minute meditation suited to your state of mind.

Download at the App Store and on Google Play.

Can’t concentrate? Try Forest

What the app developers say: “Have you ever been addicted to your phone and just cannot put it down? Forest provides an interesting solution to beat your phone addiction. You can plant a seed in Forest. In the following time, this seed will gradually grow into a tree. However, if you cannot resist the temptation and leave this app to check Facebook or play a game, your tree will wither away. With this interesting mechanism, the sense of achievement and responsibility will drive our users to stay away from their phone with no pain.”

Why it’s on our list: Turn on this app when you want to focus and, as you work on your task, a tree grows. The coolest part? You get credits that help plant trees in real life!

Download at the App Store and on Google Play.

Tense? Try Breathe

What the app developers say: “If you’re feeling stressed, annoyed, or uncomfortable, slow down and take a deep breath. You’ll be amazed at the results.”

Why it’s on our list: One of our favourite mindfulness apps, this one allows you to chedule reminders to “take a breather.” Using a graphic and a wrist tap, your Apple Watch will prompt you to inhale and exhale deeply and calm your nerves.

Download at the App Store.

Originally Published in Best Health Canada