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With the constant barrage of news and statistics we are faced with, along with greater levels of uncertainty and instability than ever before, it's no wonder more of us than ever are feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. Here are my top ten suggestions for wellbeing apps, which I hope will help you find moments of peace. These apps are designed to help improve quality of sleep, manage stress and anxiety, provide avenues for peer support and much more.
1. Headspace
Meditation made simple. The app contains hundreds of free themed meditations based on sleep, anxiety and health, to name but a few. Their ten day beginner's guide is a great introduction to incorporating a short meditation practice into your daily routine.
2. Calm
Calm claims to be the #1 app for meditation and sleep. The 'Calm' app features lovely meditation and sleep stories, with a selection of free and paid content. Core content is based around meditation, breathing, relaxation and sleep.
3. Pacifica
The app incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques, mindfulness and relaxation to provide daily tools for stress, anxiety and depression. 'Pacifica' contains activities and audio lessons to help you foster your mental health. It also includes daily challenges to help you manage your anxiety one day at a time and reach your long-term goals.
4. Thrive
'Thrive' is a game-based app designed to help you prevent and manage symptoms of anxiety, stress and related mental health conditions. 'Thrive' can be used on a regular basis or as and when needed. It helps you to track their experience, activities and goals. 'Thrive' teaches you relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation. It also has a mood tracking feature to help you see how they handle stressful situations.
5. Shine
Daily self-care made easy. Kick off the day with an empowering message and meditation. 'Shine' teaches you a new self-care strategy each day and has a large audio library of original meditations, sleep stories and soothing music.
6. Woebot
'Woebot' is an app built by a group of psychologists at Stanford University. It utilises a chatbot (named 'Woebot') to encourage you to monitor your mood, practice good thinking hygeine and learn about yourself in brief daily conversations. Woebot's efficacy has been proven in a Randomised Control Trial (RCT). It is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based app for anxiety and depression and contains strategies for self-care and mood improvement.
7. HealthUnlocked
Find others to chat to who are experiencing similar health conditions or circumstances. There are over 700 online communities based around wellbeing topics such as chronic health support, nutrition, fitness and mental health. You can also find reliable advice and support on the app: information shared is moderated by charities and patient organisations to ensure it is trustworthy. You can chat privately in groups, or one-to-one with other users.
8. Pzizz
'Pzizz' is designed to teach you how to overcome poor sleep. The app utilises music, voice-overs, and sound effects to help you calm your mind and fall asleep with ease.
9. Superbetter
'Superbetter' is a game based app designed to help users increase their confidence and tackle difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress and chronic pain. It helps foster resilience (the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic even in the face of difficult obstacles) through the use of "power-ups", "quests", "bad guys" and "allies". Power-ups are quick actions to boost your mood or health. Quests encourage you to try out new practices or gain insights into your challenges. "Bad guys" are bad habits the app encourages you to tackle, and you can share successes and challenges with other "Allies" on the app.
10. MeeTwo
'MeeTwo' is a safe and anonymous app specifically for teenagers and young adults (aged 13-23) to use as a forum to discuss any issues they feel affected by. The app covers a wide range of topics such as relationships, friendships, mental health, sexual health and self-harm. Users can opt to post anonymously, and all posts and responses are moderated, to keep it a positive and welcoming environment for all. The app, developed in collaboration with young people across the UK, also has a handy resource guide for specialist support groups, which can be helpful for those seeking further expert help.
Please note that these apps aren't designed to be a substitute for counselling or other talking therapies. They can however be a great supplement, and are a valuable avenue for incorporating a greater focus on your mental health and wellbeing in your everyday life.
I hope these suggestions have been of some help to you. If you have any you would like to add, please let me know!
Take Care,
Hannah
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