Mindfulness can improve wellbeing, decrease stress and change the way we react to situations that arise in our lives. It’s an important aspect of looking after our mental health.
Mindfulness can be practised just about anywhere at any time. But it helps to have a structure around your practice so that you can obtain the full benefits.
Today we’re taking a look at some of the best mindfulness apps so you can develop a regular practice and have tools to help you manage stress, wherever you are.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where you focus on being aware of the present moment without judgement.
It can be practised while you do an activity such as walking or in a more formal way such as completing a guided mindfulness practice or meditation.
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it,” says meditation teacher and best-selling author, Sharon Salzberg.
If you lead a busy life, that can be easier said than done! Check out some of the most popular apps for adults and children below.
5 mindfulness apps for adults.
1. Smiling Mind
Smiling mind is Australia’s leading mindfulness app and has been downloaded more than 5.9 million times. Even better, it is absolutely free and created by a non-profit organisation. There are dedicated daily mindfulness programs for adults, teens and kids.
It is visually appealing and really easy to use. Choose from a range of themes including at work, in the classroom, bedtime, sporting programs, healthcare workers and families. There are also meditations in several Indigenous languages.
Cost: Free!
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
2. Calm
Calm was awarded Apple App of the Year in 2017 and gets 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 100,000 reviews. It features over 100 guided meditations on anxiety, stress, sleep, mindful walking and more.
The longer courses on meditation, confidence and training your mind are great for going deeper and there’s a fabulous 30-day ‘how to meditate’ program for beginners.
Cost: 7 day free trial then $79.99 per year.
Download it:
Apple App store
Google Play
3. Headspace
Headspace is a mindfulness, sleep and stress relief app with users in over 190 countries. There are hundreds of guided meditations on everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, focus and mind-body health.
The unique “weathering the storm” collection includes meditations for coping with sadness, anger and adapting to change. For people experiencing anxiety, the SOS sessions are perfect for moments of panic.
Cost: $19.99 per month after a free 7-day trial or $91.99 per year after a free 14-day trial.
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
4. Insight timer
This free app features thousands of guided meditations which vary in length from a minute to several hours. It’s not quite as user friendly to navigate as Smiling Mind or Calm but there’s a lot of amazing content. The musical playlists are beautiful for any time of the day.
Cost: Free version available with annual subscriptions for $77.50
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
5. MyLife™ Meditation
MyLife™ Meditation offers a personalised mindfulness program based on how you are feeling at the time. Select the words that best describe how you feel and it will suggest mindfulness activities to incorporate into your daily life. The downside is that you can’t explore it much until you click on the paid subscription.
Cost: $14.99 per month after a free one week trial.
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
4 mindfulness apps for kids.
1. Smiling mind
Smiling mind has dedicated programs for kids aged from 3-12 and youth aged from 13-18. The kids program features short 2-5 minute meditations including a body scan, exploring the breath and exploring thoughts. The sleep for kids series is created for young minds at bedtime to support a better night’s sleep.
Cost: Free!
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
2. Mindful Powers™
This award-winning app for 7-10 year olds includes simple and fun activities to incorporate into a child’s daily routine. There are two themes: Mindful play and focus time.
Cost: Free 7 day trial before a paid subscription.
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
3. Breathe think do with Sesame
Intended for parents and caregivers to use with children aged 2-5, Breathe think do with Sesame provides tools to help children build resilience and overcome everyday challenges. Touch and tap to help the monster friend take deep breaths, think of plans and try them out.
Cost: Free.
Download it:
Apple App Store
Google Play
4. Sleep meditations for kids
This children’s bedtime app was created for children up to the age of 12 by Montessori and Calm for Kids founder Christiane Kerr. It can be used for general relaxation or as a teaching resource.
Cost: There is one relaxing free meditation along with in-app purchases.
Download it:
Apple App Store
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