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OHIOHEALTH

What's "Appening": Apps to Help You Find Your Calm

Does the mere mention of the word ‘technology’ send your stress level through the roof? Cell phone ringing, email notifications chiming — anyone can contact you anywhere, anytime. Well, if you’re feeling a bit on edge, you’re in good company. But don’t throw your cell phone out the window just yet. It may be your vehicle to serenity.

Feeling stressed? There’s an app for that.

Everybody feels stress, it’s just a part of life. The important thing is how you deal with it. In our fast-paced society, we have to make an effort to slow down. Luckily, there are several stress-relieving apps available to help us get our Zen on.

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Acupressure: Heal Yourself

iOS and Android

$1.99

Acupressure is an ancient practice used to promote self-healing. You use your fingers to press on certain areas to relax muscles and improve blood flow. This app provides images that show where to press to lower anxiety, reduce pain and more.

 

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Breathe2Relax

iOS and Android

Free

Just breathe. We’ve all been told to take deep breaths when we’re feeling upset, but did you know there’s a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to do it? This app provides guidance and exercises for diaphragmatic (belly) breathing. Fun fact: It was originally created by the Department of Defense as part of training for soldiers.

 

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Happify

iOS and Android

Free

If you’re looking to bring more happiness to your life, this app is a good place to start. It offers games and activities designed to improve your mood, help you cope better with stress, build self-confidence and get rid of negative thoughts.

 

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Headspace

iOS and Android

Free

Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps available that offers a variety of guided meditations. It promises to help everyone — from novices to meditation masters — find their calm.

 

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The Mindfulness App: Meditation for Everyone

iOS and Android

Free

Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment by closely observing your thoughts and physical sensations — without analyzing or judging any of it. As you might guess, it takes practice. But it also yields great stress-relieving benefits. This app offers guided and silent meditations that range from three to 30 minutes each. It can also send you reminders to stay mindful throughout the day.

 

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Pacifica

iOS and Android

Free

This app is centered around the idea that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors create your reality. In addition to providing relaxation techniques, it enables you to track your thoughts and moods, set goals and track your progress. You also get access to a supportive online community.

 

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Personal Zen

iOS

Free

If you’re a gamer, this might be the app for you! It uses games designed to train your brain to focus on the positive instead of the negative. Play for five to 10 minutes a few times a week, and you’ll feel your stress levels drop. It’s great for both kids and adults.

 

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Pocket Yoga

iOS and Android

$2.99

Get the benefits of a yoga class without having to leave your home. Pocket Yoga offers 27 sessions with a ton of variety in both duration and difficulty. You can even incorporate your own music into your session.

 

Logo for Sleep Cycle alarm clock app

Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock

iOS and Android

Free

Did you know you can lower your stress level just by improving sleep? Your body cycles through different levels of sleep throughout the night. When you’re woken up during a heavy sleep cycle, you feel tired and unrested. If you wake up during a light sleep cycle, you feel refreshed and ready to go. With this app, all you do is leave your cell phone on your nightstand, and it will track your sleeping patterns so it can wake you during a light sleep cycle. Rise and shine!


Want to take your calm a step further? Check out our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

 

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