Every teen uses a smartphone today, but not often for the most productive, healthy reasons. Social media notifications, games and constant texting can be highly addictive and have a negative effect on your youngster. Apart from that, there is also the added stress of online school, with technology taking the centre stage and reducing human interaction. However, smartphones can be used in a healthy way to reduce stress, thanks to the development of a plethora of apps which are all designed to help individuals be more mindful and relaxed. Encourage your teen to inculcate positive mindful habits and combat stress by downloading these apps.
Headspace
Headspace is one of the most popular mindfulness apps available today. A prolific library of meditation sessions can be found on this app which are all designed to help listeners enter a calm state, reducing anxiety and de-stressing. What makes it more interesting is that all these sessions follow different themes and narratives. Just like personal gym trainers, Headspace aims to work as a personal mindfulness trainer. It is available both on iOS and Android, with a monthly membership charge. However, it offers some content for free as well.
Calm
Calm is a popular app for promoting mindfulness and good sleeping habits. It has guided meditation sessions. What sets it apart is its “7 days of Calm course” which is a great introduction to meditation and mindfulness for beginners. It familiarises them with the purpose behind it, and provides a structure for practice. Thus, it works perfectly for those who do not have experience in following consistent mindfulness practices. The Calm app is available both on iOS and Android, with the free version allowing access to some of its content.
Stop Breathe & Think
The Stop Breathe & Think app functions differently from its counterparts in the sense that it does not require users to fully commit to long mindfulness or meditation sessions. Hence, it is the ideal option for those who do not have much time in their schedule. It notifies the user to take a few minutes off and pay attention to their breathing by following one of their short mindfulness sessions. It is available on iOS, Android as well as on a web browser.
Relax Melodies
Relax Melodies is a great app for those who have had prior experience in mindfulness and meditation, and do not require a guided or structured programme. This app has a library of peaceful music which aids in creating healthy meditative practices. It is a curation of backing tracks which are laced with sounds proven to relax and soothe the mind. It is available on both iOS and Android for free