There is no doubt that school can have an effect on your mental health. That doesn’t mean that you have to let your anxiety and stress get the better of you, however. While an app can never replace professional help, it can be useful to track your mood and learn techniques for self-regulation. These are some apps that have personally helped me in one way or another in regards to my mental wellbeing during the school year.
- WellTrack
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This is the University of Alberta’s app that was developed in response to the overwhelming number of students who suffer from academic-induced stress. Through WellTrack you can track your mood and any trends that result from it. Tracking your mood can be useful, especially when attempting to explain the state of your health to a friend or a professional.
Download it here : https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/welltrack/id1249494293
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cyberpsyc.welltrackapp&hl=en_CA - Womaze
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Womaze is an app created by women for women. With an easy-to-follow layout, Womaze has articles, videos and motivational pictures related to career and purpose, self-care, mental health, body image, spirituality, sexual identity and so much more. I use this app first thing in the morning to give me a motivational push to have a successful day.
Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/womaze/id1339472819
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.womaze.beta&hl=en_CA
- Insight Timer – Free Meditation App
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Similar to Headpsace without the subscription, Insight Timer contains guided and unguided meditation audios for people with varying levels of meditation experience in addition to a meditation timer for those who wish to meditate without a video aid. I would recommend beginning with the seven day introduction to meditation. From there, you can do meditations that are targeted towards almost anything from sleep or focus to self-awareness and relaxation. I use this app nightly before bed and sometimes before starting my homework in order to center myself and focus.
Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/insight-timer-meditation-app/id337472899
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spotlightsix.zentimerlite2&hl=en_CA
- Jiyo
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Jiyo takes a holistic approach to wellbeing. Created by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Jiyo claims to be your “personal wellbeing coach.” While there is a premium option, the free version still allows users to use the app to “learn, engage share and inspire.” “Bits” are short tasks usually accompanied by a video or reading that the app suggests to you based on your wellbeing journey and ultimate goals. You can also share when you complete a bit or any other aspect of your life through the “My Moment” tab, which functions as a social media outlet for Jiyo users.
Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/jiyo/id1012604543
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jiyo.android&hl=en_CA
- Remente
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Remente is a goal-focused app that helps you with creating, finding, and achieving goals related to all aspects of your life. It keeps you accountable through daily plans, journal entries, readings and reminders in order to help you achieve whatever it is you wish to accomplish from saving money to eating less sugar or improving your relationships. In addition to goal-getting, Remente allows you to track your mood and assess your “life balance” in order to ensure that you stay on track. This app is helpful for academic and non-academic goals because you can create your own goals or use one of the goals that they suggest to you.
Download it here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remente-self-improvement/id961633456
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remente.app&hl=en_CA
Again, these apps can in no way provide the help that a healthcare professional can. With the help of these apps, though, you may find the ability to identify any particular triggers, trends or coping mechanisms that you may choose to bring professional attention to (UAlberta students can access the university’s counselling resources through https://www.ualberta.ca/current-students/counselling). Regardless, these are apps that have allowed me to feel like I am aware and in control of my emotions rather than the other way around. I hope that they can do the same for you.