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4 apps for meditation and mindfulness.

4 apps for meditation and mindfulness.

Whether you’re stressed from work or just need to take a moment of calm, it can be hard to remember to fit it in when you have a busy schedule. There is even a day to help people do just that - National Relaxation Day, celebrated annually on August 15th. On that day, we’re encouraged to take a break from stress and anxiety and do something they truly find relaxing. Whether it’s going on spa break or just reading a book – it’s all about having time to chill in a way that works for you.

 

And if you’re looking for another kind of chill, be sure to check out our competition at the bottom of the page. We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan. Not only is it super powerful, it’s whisper quiet too. So, it won’t interrupt your moment of peace.

 

One of the best ways you can reduce stress in your day is with a little meditation or mindfulness. And there’s no need to run off to a yoga retreat. There are loads of amazing apps that can help you get into the healthy habit of taking some quiet time. Here are 4 of our faves. Deep breath…

 

Apple Fitness+ and Apple Mindfulness

 

 

Apple Fitness+ has guided meditation sessions with experienced teachers – from 5 to 45 minutes per session. But it’s not all just sitting and breathing. Their Mindfulness Cooldown combines stretching with relaxation, and they have lots of yoga classes too. As for the meditation, it’s cut into different categories to help you with specific issues - whether it’s stress reduction, improved sleep or enhanced focus. Meanwhile, Apple Mindfulness is specifically for Apple Watch owners. On the small, square screen you can either follow a full meditation session or you can get a reminder to take a few rejuvenating breaths.

 

Fitness+ on iOS

Mindfulness on Apple Watch

 

Headspace

 

 

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation apps, famous for its user-friendly interface and massive library of guided meditations. With its search function, you can find a meditation for almost any situation. Woke up in the night and can’t get back to sleep? There’s a meditation for that. And sleep stories too. Going on a walk and what to be more mindful? There’s a mindful activity you can listen to. They have podcasts, daily schedules that are easy to follow and courses galore. Headspace makes meditation accessible for beginners while also providing advanced content for aspiring yogis.

 

Available on iOS and Android

 

Calm

 

 

Calm is another highly popular app that focuses on meditation, relaxation and getting better sleep. Not only will you find traditional meditation practices, but there’s famous voices reading bedtime stories, soothing soundtracks and breathing exercises designed to help you unwind. The app's Daily Calm feature provides a new meditation each day, making sure you stick to mindfulness practice. And there are also long-term courses you can take tailored to what you want to get out of mindfulness. 

 

Available on iOS and Android

 

Balance

 

 

Balance was created to fit the needs of whoever’s using the app – so no two experiences are alike. Balance asks users a series of questions to understand their goals, then tailors meditation programs to fit. Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, improve focus or get on in your career, Balance helps you build a mindfulness practice you can stick to - and that will evolve with your progress. You can always adjust the time of your meditation sessions. So, there’s always the chance to find a quick moment of calm, even if you’re rushing out the door!

Right now, Balance is doing a one-year free membership – so it might be worth a go.

Available on iOS and Android

 

So, why not whip out your phone, download a few of these apps and see which one works for you.

 

Win a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK!

 

 

Want to stay calm and cool? We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK. It’s cool, super quiet and has 12 different modes – including outdoors, cordless and tabletop – so you can take it with you pretty much anywhere. It’s also water resistant, so is even pool splash and British summer weatherproof too! 

To enter, just share your best relaxation and mindfulness tips with the Community below.

Entries close at 23:59 on 19th August 2024. Winners are chosen at random, and we'll announce the lucky iD community member shortly after. Stay calm, you’ve still got time to win.

I go out for a run to run off all the stress

I always take a break to take my mind off the stress then when I feel better I’ll go back to it to try and solve it

A stress relieving cuddle from my little ones always does the trick

Going for a swim is a great way to get your exercise and relaxation all done at once

Putting lavendar on my pillowcase for a peaceful and relaxing sleep.

Taking walks in the countryside and along canals

A lovely dog walk to clear your mind & sole whilst listening to the birds & nature around you, whatever the weather ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I feel that time away from screens is a must for your wellbeing each day, sit outside for a while, go for a chill on your bed or take a stroll for no reason other than to gather your thoughts.

For me, it’s a mix of challenge, mastering  the complex maths topic is really fufiliing, painting a room is strangely theraputic, getting on top of the overgrown garden takes my mind off my problems. Then a long bath with plenty of bubbles and getting into bed with clean laundered sheets. I like the feeling of different acomplishments with some me time at the end.

I think it's important to spend time outdoors every day, even if the weather is rubbish. It always lifts my mood.

I live near water and find sitting by the water, just watching the patterns of the waves and feeling the sea breeze on your face is incredibly relaxing.

Napping

Get outside and get some fresh air. 

My top tips are finding something you can relax at that gives you a sense of calm and happiness. A good book in the sunshine, some deep breathing exercises, yoga or just a hot chocolate in your favourite spot

I find the 5 senses grounding technique great for relaxation!

Breathe deeply and steadily, whilst paying attention to five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

I find simple deep breathing works great for sudden anxiety/stress. 

I love gardening. It always makes me forget whatever is going on in my mind 

Every lunchtime I go outside. Either a short 30 min walk ideally a Park or sit in my garden with a herbal tea. 
even sat listening to the birds or School children playing. 

I find fresh air always helps

 

I love getting out in the fresh air and into nature, nothing like being outside to help me relax! 

Talk to someone you trust. An honest opinion from someone who cares can help give a different perspective and is often reassuring. You can be there for them too :) 

The 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness exercise engages your senses to ground you in the present moment. 

 

See: Spot five things around you.

 

Touch: Notice four things you can feel.

 

Hear: Listen for three sounds.

 

Smell: Detect two scents.

 

Taste: Identify one taste.

 

Pause and slowly tune into each sense, taking time to observe details. Make it part of your daily routine, or use it as needed to pull you into the here and now.

A walk in the countryside, round the park, anywhere in nature relaxes me.

First thing in the morning, before I look at any electronic devices, I make a cup of tea and sit quietly in my garden  for around 15 minutes while drinking it.  It really puts me in a good frame of mind for the day.

I like reading a book or to go for a hike where there is no phone service to force me to shut off from the outside world and just enjoy the beauty of nature. I often get quite emotional looking at how beautiful the world can actually be 

I also do meditation videos or apps or YouTube and I’ll do wim Hoffs breathing techniques!  

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