If the idea of “ohm”-ing and breathing through the heart center feels too woo-woo for you, you are not alone. However, studies show that breathing exercises and daily meditation can affect your mind in the long-term, shrinking the area of your brain that triggers the flight-or-flight complex. The result? According to experts, increased health benefits, enhanced creativity, and a generally glass-half-full way of considering life and relationships. Here are some apps to help you meditate or relax regardless of your busy college schedule.
1. Headspace (Free for iOS and Android)
One of the first and most widely embraced wellness apps, Headspace takes mental health as seriously as any fitness goal. Like any good fitness app, people can draw up a wellness plan that works for them by selecting mediation sessions to fit their mood and lifestyle, then learn how to apply their courses to become a more mindful, compassionate person.
2. Calm (Free for iOS and Android)
Using different sound themes like the patter of rain, the gentle animal sounds of a rainforest, and the crackle of a fireplace, Calm transports you to a happier, calmer place while you meditate. It also works on improving the quality of your sleep and teaches you how to focus on your breathing. There are a couple different free meditations and breathing exercises, with plenty more to unlock with a paid subscription.
3. Stop, Breathe, & Think (Free for iOS and Android)
Really, the title says it all. With over 55 guided meditation selections — for both the beginning and end of your day — a daily mood tracker, plus the capability to customize chimes, ‘Stop, Breathe & Think’ is a meditation mecca. The exercises focus on compassion, sleep, depression, and anxiety. Users can record their daily practice and track their progress throughout the year.
4. Wellzen (Free for iOS and Android)
This app that offers everything from 5-minute sessions to lunch break-sized calm-downs. Each cuddly-looking creature corresponds to a different targeted area for meditation, from stress relief to enhanced relationships and improved creativity. Plus, the app teaches you about the science of meditation and how it alleviates specific mental stressors, which makes it a great one for beginners who are just learning breathing exercises.
5. Insight Timer (Free for iOS and Android)
When you’re easing into meditation and aren’t sure whether you want to drop money on a subscription just yet, look into Insight Timer’s collection of free guided exercises. Ranked as the top free meditation app, Insight Timer hosts thousands of free meditations and offers teachings from meditation teachers, along with information about different practices (whether your focus is chakras or various yoga meditations).
All images are from the Apple App Store