Between work, family and the current political climate, potential stressors abound. But with the help of a calming app, users can experience a respite from the storm and maybe even learn ways to keep stress at bay long-term. Here are a few selections to sample, and for even more, check out these stress-relieving apps.
Insight Timer: With more than 1.5 million users, this free app features thousands of guided meditations, dozens of languages and discussion groups with other users.
Pacifica: Like Weight Watchers for mental wellness, Pacifica allows users to track their daily mood, thoughts and health-related habits. You can also listen to guided meditations directly within the app and join private groups or public communities. Some components are free, but full functionality is reserved for paid users at $5.99 per month or $35.99 per year.
Down Dog: Create a customized yoga workout with this free app, which lets you specify your experience level, range of motion, workout duration and preferred music. Enjoy added perks with a membership for $5.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
Mojo: An abbreviation for More than a Journal, Mojo is a reboot of the popular gratitude journal app called, well, Gratitude. The app invites you to input your most appreciated moments of the day (including photos and emojis) and track them over time, pledging to change your outlook on life in a month’s time. Download for $3.99.
Stand Up!: To get away from it all (or at least your computer) during the work day, check out this break-reminder app. Set the frequency of your breaks (e.g. once every 55 minutes) on the days that you’re in the office, and a little alarm will go off to keep you on track. The app is free but you can leave a “tip” to unlock a collection of alternate alarm sounds.
Talkspace: We lead busy lives, and sometimes those busy lives can interfere with our well-being. Talkspace aims to connect on-the-go users with licensed therapists via messaging.