3 Free Apps to Relieve Anxiety
In 2020, it’s pretty normal to keep your phone right by your side 24/7. But did you know that we spend an average of 3+ hours a day on our phones? During these past few months in lockdown that number has only increased, and I know I am not the only one who avoids looking at their screen time report! If you need some guidance on how to unplug, check out my Digital Detox Guide blog for some helpful tips on how to reduce your screen time.
In addition to turning my phone completely off, I also use these 3 apps to improve the quality of time that I do spend on my screen. This is not a sponsored post, I’m just a girl who loves free self-care tools:) Do you have a favorite app that helps you meditate, de-stress and unwind? Leave a comment below with your recommendations!
Truly an amazing resource to have in your wellness toolbox. It’s clean, simple, easy to use, you can connect with friends, bookmark your favorite meditations, and the library of internationally renowned teachers is huge. I have been using this app for years, and I have found that it is particularly useful when I feel distracted and need a guided meditation to help me focus. When I taught yoga at MSU, I had my students use it for their meditation homework. Many of them reported that using the bedtime meditations and yoga nidra helped improve their sleeping habits! InsightTimer has featured playlists based on your interests, including a Teachers of Color playlist to bring much needed focus to the diverse range of voices that are currently underrepresented in the wellness world. InsightTimer has also partnered with the United Nations Foundation and lululemon to create Peace on Purpose- a mindfulness resource for global UN workers to take care of their own mental health so they can take care of others.
Rain Rain
Excellent choice if you prefer relaxing, ambient sounds for your meditation practice. You can set a timer, or just let it play in the background while you rest. Meditating without a timer actually creates a deeper relaxation response because you aren’t just sitting around waiting for the bell to ring! Personally, I like to use the ‘city rain’ for white noise to help me sleep when I am traveling. You can also choose from more creative sounds, like Shih Tzu snoring or dishwasher. You do you.
3 Free Apps to Relieve Anxiety
Breathwrk
I just started using this app and I love it already. Even though I have spent many years teaching yoga and experiencing different pranayama techniques, it can still be challenging to stay focused when I sit down to practice. I find that this app starts me off strong with a few minutes of breathing guidance, and then I can continue the practice on my own. Next time you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, give yourself 3 minutes to breathe and you might find that you feel a little better afterwards!