If you suffer from poor mental health and sleep disorder then check out these meditation apps to
From Headspace to Happy Not Perfect see what works best for you. Workplace mindfulness expert Juliet Adams gave this advice on picking the best meditation app for you.
“My top tip would be to start with the end in mind,” said Juliet. “What is your intention for meditating? What do you want to be different as a result of sitting down for a short while to meditate? “The term mindfulness and meditation are often used interchangeably but they are not the same thing. The aim of mindfulness-based meditations is not relaxation, but to observe and manage your mind.
“That being said, many people do feel calm and relaxed after practicing mindfulness but it certainly isn’t the aim. There are many forms of meditations. If you want to relax and escape you might choose a guided visualisation meditation.
“If you are angry or anxious and want to calm down, you might choose a meditation where you control your breath by breathing in for several counts and out for a number of counts.
“When you come to meditate these apps will help guide you and stop the rushing thoughts of; How do I do it? How long do I do it for and when should I be meditating? If you want to relax and fall asleep there are meditations designed to do this, or you might like nature sounds based meditation. Picking the right meditation for you at any given moment in time is the first step to relaxation.”
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Headspace
iPhone rating: 5 stars / Android rating: 4.6 stars
Price: Free with optional in-app purchases
Headspace is an everyday guide to mindfulness. You can listen to world-class experts including Headspace co-founder Andy Puddicombe and the app will teach you the art of meditation and mindfulness.
Try the app during your bedtime routine, where you will be taken through a guided meditation for sleep, including nature soundscapes, music and storytelling sleep casts. You personalise the experience, too.
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Whil
iPhone rating: 4.8 stars / Android rating: 4.4 stars
Price: Free with optional in-app purchases
Whil is aimed specifically for busy people who find it difficult to meditate. The app offers meditation courses that last as little as five minutes. Designed to help reduce stress, tension, and anxiety. Ideal for teens and young adult, it has been created to help the younger generation to learn about how stress and pressure can affect not only their mental health but also physical.
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Meditation Studio
iPhone rating: 4.8 stars / Android rating: 4.8 stars
Price: Free with optional in-app purchases
When it comes to meditation, there are a variety of areas where we want to target, from health to happiness, the Meditation Studio app can help you achieve your personal goals. The app contains monthly featured collections on opening your heart to kickstarting your creativity. You can also create your own meditation plan if you want a little bit of everything.
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Calm
iPhone rating: 4.7 stars / Android rating: 4.1 stars
Price: Free with optional in-app purchases
This award-winning app has a variety of exercises and breathing techniques to help you relax. The app’s guided meditations range from three to 25 minutes long. They have a feature called Sleep Stories which hosts a great mix of voice talent such as Matthew McConaughey to help lull you to sleep. If you own an Apple Watch you have access to new breathing exercises, calming exercises and even mindful walking meditation.
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Happy Not Perfect
iPhone rating: 4.7 stars / Android rating: 4.4 stars
Price: Free with optional in-app purchases
You may not notice all of your surrounding stressors, this app allows you to enter your current mood and gives you specific meditation tips. From stress, anxiety and feelings of pressure on yourself, this app can help you centre yourself. Featuring courses and tips that can help you release any endless negative thoughts cycle. Happy Not Perfect can help you develop a positive mindset that can help you deal with unexpected life stress and anxiety.
Thanks to OTTY who helped put together this list of meditation apps.
