Life can be a complicated mess. Every day, we face an unexpected laundry list of curveballs. Sometimes, we just need to unwind and meditation apps can help.
We have a never-ending to-do list, and it just keeps getting longer. And, sometimes, we just need time to breathe easily. This is why meditation is so important. It’s not just about sitting in silence then chanting, rather it’s a tool to help clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health.
But, the idea of including mutation in your daily routine can feel a bit overwhelming. After all, don’t you need somebody to help guide you through the process? You sure do, and that’s where meditation apps come to save the day. They are just like having a meditation coach. And, they offer you guided practices, soothing sounds, and bite-sized lessons that fit even the busiest of schedules.
So, if you are ready to find the perfect app to help you meditate, then you are at the right spot. Let us take a closer look at what you will find in a meditation app, and discuss the top five apps that are changing the industry forever.
Criteria for Choosing a Meditation App
Like everything else, no two meditation apps are created equal. Some apps are fully loaded with more features than you could ever use. Other apps, want to keep it as simple as the concept of meditation is. But, the best app for you will depend on your particular needs. Let us take a look at a few things that you need to take into consideration when making a final decision:
User-Friendliness
When choosing a meditation hat, you need to ask yourself is the app easy to navigate. Are the features intuitive? After all, you don’t want to overstress yourself just trying to figure out how to find the actual stress relief section of the app.
Features
Then you need to take a closer look at the different features. Like I said, no two apps are created equal. Some apps will feature guided meditation. Other apps will include sleep tools. And some apps will even include mindful movement options.
Cost
Then there is the cost factor. There are quite a few meditation apps that are completely free. Other ones are chocked full of advertisements, which tend to take away from the peaceful feeling you’re seeking. Other apps require you to sign up for a regular subscription. When selecting an act, you want to look for a balance between both price and value.
Variety of Practices
It’s also important to take into consideration that meditation is used for a wide variety of goals. An app that is focused on reducing anxiety, may not be the best option when it comes to falling asleep. At the same time, apps that are designed to help you follow sleep will be very good at improving your focus. You need to determine what type of meditation you would like to practice, in order to find the perfect app for your needs.
Can you find meditations for specific goals, like improving focus, reducing anxiety, or even falling asleep?
Top 5 Meditation Apps
Now that you have a good idea of what to look for in an app, let’s explore some of the best meditation apps that are available today.
Headspace: Your Friendly Guide to Meditation Apps
URL: www.headspace.com
If you are like most people, then you are probably a new bead to meditation. Headspace is the perfect place for anyone to start. This popular app is known for being extremely approachable and beginner-friendly. It is full of cheerful animations and straightforward guides to the meditation process. The app makes mindfulness feel less intimidating. And, that’s probably why it’s one of the most popular options available today.
Unique Features
One of the biggest features that is offered in Headspace, is known as Sleep Cast. These are effectively bedtime stories for adults. And, their main goal is to help you wind down after a very long and eventful day.
Who It’s For
Remember, Headspace is designed for beginners. But, it’s also an excellent choice for just about anyone who is looking for a more structured introduction to meditation.
Cost
Like most apps, Headspace is free to download. But, if you want access to all of the features then you will have to sign up for a premium subscription, which will start at $12.99/month.
Calm: Relaxation at Your Fingertips
URL: www.calm.com
There’s no surprise with a name like Calm, that this app is all about helping you to chill out and relax. It is the perfect option for anyone who is seeking a little more R&R. Whether you’re having to deal with stress, having issues falling asleep, or just need to rest your mind, Calm has just about everything you need at the touch of your fingertips.
Unique Features
The biggest feature of Calm is that it’s filled with a wide selection of guided meditations. The app also includes relaxing music, and even offers celebrity narrated sleep stories. Yes, you can listen to Matthew McConaughey literally put you to sleep.
Who It’s For
Calm is perfect for anyone who is looking for an all-in-one app. If you need help relaxing or just need to recharge your mental state, then this app is perfect for you.
Cost
You can download the basic app for free, but it only provides you with limited access. To get full access to all of the futures, you will need to sign up for a premium subscription which will cost you $14.99/month.
Insight Timer: Meditation Apps Without Breaking the Bank
URL: insighttimer.com
Okay, so we’ve talked about several apps that are free to download, but then require a premium subscription to obtain access to the better features. Now let’s take a moment to talk about and at that is totally free, and doesn’t skimp on the features. Insight Timer provides you with a massive library of meditations, and talks, and even offers live sessions from actual meditation teachers.
Unique Features
Unlike other meditation apps, Insight Timer is a social app. Yes, you can join a community group that is based on things that you are personally interested in. Why not join a group that is focused on mindful parenting, or even stress relief?
Who It’s For
If you want to connect with a mindfulness community and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this is the perfect app for you.
Cost
As with all of the other apps in our list, Insight Timer is free to download. However, although there are premium features that you can purchase, the vast majority of its capabilities are completely free.
10% Happier: Meditation Apps for Skeptics
If you’re like most, then you have probably thought in the past that meditation just isn’t right for you. Don’t worry, many people feel this way. That is why 10% Happier is so popular. This app is a game changer, and it is designed for busy professionals and skeptics alike. If you are like those who do not fully buy into the mindfulness craze but are at least willing to give it a try, then this is the perfect app for you.
Unique Features
The content in 10% Happier is created by mindfulness experts from around the country. It offers you practical meditations that will help you with stress release, increased focus, and even improving your relationships.
Who It’s For
If you are one of those people who really want a no-nonsense and reliable way to meditate, then this app is the best option for you.
Cost
Although you can download 10% Happier for free, it’s only a trial version. Once the trial is up, you will need to sign up for the subscription at $12.99/month.
Breethe: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
URL: breethe.com
Let us take a step well beyond meditation, and, take a look at an app that is like having a wellness coach in your pocket. Not only does this app provide you with guided meditation, but also gives you sleep aids, emotional health coaching, and even lessons on how to manage your stress or improve your relationships.
Unique Features
One of the most unique features of Breethe, is the ability to personalize your plan based on your individual goals. It doesn’t matter if you want to sleep better, reduce anxiety, or even grow a little personally, there are a smorgasbord features available to you.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for an all-encompassing app, that will help to improve every aspect of your mental and emotional health, then Breethe is the app for you.
Cost
Breethe is completely free to download, but in order to use all of the amazing features, you will need to shell out $12.95/month.
Find Your Fit
As we discussed before, no two apps are similar. As a result, there is a meditation app that is perfect for everyone. Whether you are new to mindfulness, or seasoned and meditation, these apps can make it easier than ever to tap into your mental clarity and calm all of the chaos within your life. It’s important to remember, however, that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, take your time and try the different features in all of these excellent apps, and find out which one resonates the best with you.
