Nowadays, it seems like there’s an app for everything. While technology should inevitably make our lives easier, the overwhelming amount of choices in the app store alone is enough to stress anyone out. But instead of letting technology get the better of you, try some of these smartphone apps to help you get back on track and deal with your everyday stresses and anxiety.
Sleep
One of the most important steps in eliminating anxiety is also one of the simplest. Restorative sleep is essential to being a more productive individual. While a solid 8 hours of sleep may not be an option (or a possibility) for all of us, understanding how your sleep patterns work can make your rest more meaningful. Sleep Time: Alarm Clock tells you how quickly you fall asleep, at which point you enter each phase of sleep, and how effective each cycle is. By monitoring your sleep patterns, the app is able to determine how to gently wake you up when you are no longer in deep sleep. Who knows, you may end up being a morning person after all.
Apps
Sleep Time: Alarm Clock
iPhone
Android
Free
Meditation
A restful slumber, as important as it is, may not be enough. Relaxation throughout your day is also crucial to maintaining a stress free lifestyle. The Relax & Rest Guided Meditations app allows you to find serenity in the comfort of your own home or office. The easy to use app has three different guided meditations including Breath Awareness (5 minutes), Deep Rested (13 minutes), and Whole Body (24 minutes).
App
Relax & Rest Guided Meditations
iPhone $1.99
Android $1.49
Exercise
After you’ve perfected your zen, you’ll probably have some new found energy. Exercise is one of the best ways to beat stress and boost endorphins. But counting calories, coming up with exercise routines, and paying hefty gym memberships can make exercise a stressful chore. Sworkit is an app designed for people with busy schedules that lets you schedule workouts lasting anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. The app uses dozens of instructional videos which make the workouts easy to follow. Choose from strength, cardio, yoga, and stretching workouts or use the app to make your own.
App
Sworkit
iPhone
Android
Free
Journaling
Releasing stress can sometimes be as easy as writing down your ailments. The Worry Box for Android helps you do just that. You write down your thoughts and the app actively helps you work through your issues by asking a series of questions that help reduce anxiety and solve everyday problems. If you’re an iPhone user, Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM) is an equally effective app that works a lot like the Worry Box. After telling the app how you’re feeling, it will walk you through different calming and relaxation practices.
App
Worry Box
Android
Free
Self-Help For Anxiety Management
iPhone
Free