With the outbreak of COVID-19, it’s not unusual for us to be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lonely or even depressed. Regardless of the pandemic, taking care of your mental health is a daily essential. Whether you are someone who is already looking after your mental health or are just getting started, here are seven apps to help you maintain a healthy mind. Some of these are free and others come at a charge, but they are definitely worth investing in.
- Calm
-
In 2017, Calm was selected as Apple’s App of the Year. The main purpose of the app is unmistakably in its title. Calm is all about instilling inner peace and embracing tranquility through relaxing visuals and sounds you have the power to select. Whether you want to get a good night’s sleep or just simply want to meditate, the app has a ton of features designed for your needs.
- Sanvello
-
Sanvello is another leading app to help cope with stress, anxiety and depression. During this COVID-19 crisis, Sanvello is offering free premium access to users. Certainly, this is something you definitely want to take advantage of. Not only does it offer self-care support, it also offers peer support, coaching and therapy.
- Headspace
-
Headspace was designed by Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe whose goal is to spread meditation and mindfulness through a global platform. The beauty of this app, like many others, is that it is heavily focused on science. The app has been proven to reduce stress and aggression, and enhance focus and compassion. It is filled with inspiring stories and it guides you through the proper way to practice meditation and mindfulness. It’s extremely simple and effortless.
- MoodMission
-
MoodMission is an app designed to monitor everyday moods to prevent negative emotions from evolving into serious mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression. When you tell MoodMission how you’re feeling, the app generates five simple and quick ‘missions’ to help improve your mood. For this to work efficiently, it is important for you to be attuned with your feelings.
- Happify
-
Happify is different from most of these apps. It’s not for meditation, rather it’s filled with games! This approach, programmed by scientists in the fields of positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, is proven to achieve impacting results. It regulates emotions and helps reduce stress so, if you’re someone who likes to stay active and enjoys games, this is the mental health app for you!
- Stop, Breathe & Think
-
Our lives can be insanely hectic, but this app won’t require more than five minutes of your time. Stop, Breathe & Think begins by checking in on your physical, mental and emotional health. From those results, it then provides you with distinct meditations and breathing exercises targeted towards your needs. You’ll be able to keep track of your progress, as well as explore new activities.
- Talkspace
-
Talkspace is a therapy app that connects you to licensed mental health professionals so you can access therapy right from your phone. Sometimes, it can take up to weeks or even months to get an in-person appointment with a therapist but this app allows you to reach your therapist wherever and whenever! All it takes is a message or a video call to keep the conversation going. Plus, it’s 100 percent confidential.
These are just a few of my favorite apps to help nourish your mental health. There are many others available in the app store so be sure to take the time to consider your needs. Try them out and see which one is most suitable for you. Now is the time to download, unplug and practice self-care!