Work stress, looming deadlines, irate boss, having to jostle your way in and out of crowded trains. Does that sound like a typical day at work? And then, once back home, cranky husband, hungry kids and housework take up your time? Does it feel like you have not had a moment to yourself?
You have probably all the latest buzz about mindfulness, the act of being in the “now”. Now, you are probably wondering why you would want to dwell in the moment when it’s what you want to get away from. That’s a double-edged sword situation – being aware of your feelings, thoughts and reactions when performing tasks (as against doing them mechanically) is the idealogy behind it.
“Surrender to what is…” so to speak. easier said than done. But these apps can get you started with basic meditation tips and reminders. And all that they ask of you is 10 minutes of your time.
Headspace treats meditation as exercise for the brain and has a community for users to interact with each other. The app features a guided 10-minute sessions designed to address specific concerns like stress, sleeplessness and the like, as well as single sessions. as well as a progress tracker. Learning is made easier thanks to its customisable content and engaging animated graphics and the soothing yet clear guiding voice of co-founder Andy Puddicombe, who is a former Buddhist monk.
Developed by psychologists and educators, Smiling Mind aims to help individuals bring balance back to their lives. Its guided programmes are designed to assist various age groups in dealing with pressure and stress in their lives and customisable for individual needs. Smiling Mind also offers a meditation app called Mind the Bump for individuals and couples who are expecting a child.
Like the name suggests, Insight Timer’s main feature is its meditation timer that comes with mesmerising ambient sounds that you can play on loop, as well as eight different bell sounds for a deeply peaceful meditation session. Configure a session that best suits your routine and save it as a preset for quick access. The app also comes with an expanding library of soothing music and guided courses. That more than 4,500,000 meditators are users and 1,600 teachers offer talks, meditation lessons and music sounds, should say something.
Launched jointly by singer K D Lang (remember her?) and non-profit organisation Tools For peace, this app caters to middle-school and high-school students, as well as adults. Children can select their own guided meditation or receive a curated list of recommended meditations based on a self-report of their emotional state. Stop, Breathe & Think helps motivate the little ones by giving them goals, achievements and stickers and help them track their progress and emotions.
For newbies unfamiliar with concept of mindfulness, Calm introduces the basics of mindful meditation with their “7 Days of Calm” guided course. Upon completion, users can choose to continue on to their vast catalogue of courses with a paid subscription. Calm offers courses focusing on specific goals such as calming anxiety, self-esteem and sleeping well.
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