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A Guide to Meditation Apps

9 months ago / by Nancy Amon
meditation
Image credits: Shutterstock

Meditation plays a vital role in wellness. Here are some apps to help streamline it and achieve a sense of balance and calm

As a busy mum, you’re constantly juggling life with family, being great at super-mum tasks, and tackling demanding careers that require attention. It’s tough catching a break. South Asian women work hard, and it is easy to forget about taking care of themselves. As a result, you could quickly slip into a self-neglect habit, which can feel terrible.

Why not stop and take a breath? We have some of the best meditation apps to help you relax, unwind, and refocus your mind. Not only will you get some time for yourself through meditative exercises, but you will also nourish your mind and wellness.

Benefits of Meditation

  • Meditation helps with focus
  • It can improve the quality of your sleep
  • You’ll feel more relaxed with and have reduced tension caused by stress
  • It helps reduce anxiety and related symptoms
  • Promotes overall wellness

Since there are many different techniques, it can become overwhelming to decide which technique works for you. Thankfully, these apps can help you learn, and you’ll decide which ones work best for you and your routine.

#1 Headspace

Headspace is available on Android and iOS. It is an extremely versatile app with techniques that help you learn to catch your breath and breathe, methods to calm your mind, and it helps you sleep better at night.

The app has many features including:

  • Meditation
  • Sleep
  • Move
  • Focus
  • Wake up

Cost: The Headspace app is available as a 14-day trial period and after that, you can purchase it for $69.99 (billed annually) at $5.83 a month. You also have the option of paying at a monthly fee (billed monthly) at $12.99 with a 7-day week trial to get you started on things.

#2 Calm

Calm is another favorite for good meditation apps available for your mobile device. Like Headspace, calm is also available on iOS and Android systems featuring easy to use navigation and control functions.

Calm has features like the following:

  • Sleep
  • Guided meditation
  • Calming music

There are features in the Calm app to help every occasion like sleep that includes sleep sounds, stories and more to help you fall asleep. Every busy mum needs this after a long day. Guided meditation helps you gain more insight as you’re guided by a professional.

Calm also features movement exercises, breathing techniques and masterclasses to help you balance your life and wellness.

Calm features excellent perks and most of all it is super affordable, giving you the opportunity to share the app with up to six people.

Cost: The app is available at $70 per year. Calm will record your progress and you can keep a log of how you’re doing while using the app. Many people report feeling a lot better when using Calm.

#3 Insight Timer

Insight Timer is not only a comprehensive meditation app, it is also absolutely free to use and enjoy the benefits. The app features many live workshops, courses, live events, group meditations and lots more. It works to help manage stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness and simply aids you with a healthier and balanced mind and body.

Meditation and topics through Insight Timer cover various aspects like:

  • Origins
  • Talks
  • Spirituality
  • Religion
  • Performance
  • Recovery and healing
  • Mindfulness
  • Sleep
  • Concentration
  • Gentle repetition
  • Sound and visualization

Cost: Free

#4 Balance App

With The Balance App, you can enjoy a variety of meditation and other mindful practices and teachings and lots more. Use the app to help you improve your sleep, to be more mindful and make many interactive choices each day.

The app allows you to express how you feel, and you will be asked a question like “how are you feeling today?” It will advise you based on what you choose. For example, if you are feeling stressed, it may suggest you take a moment to relax.

There is a lot of guided meditation in the Balance App, and it is great for when you just need someone to guide you through the process, helping you get the most out of it. The AI also learns as you use the app and will recommend suggestions which are a better fit.

Cost: Balance App is about $70 per annum. You can also see them feature specials at times which you can also check and possibly score on your purchase.

#5 Healthy Minds Innovation

The Healthy Minds Innovation app is available to download on iOS and Android devices. Having it on your mobile device allows you to enjoy the benefits of meditation and mindful living anywhere at any time. It is a good app that helps you focus on the things that you need help with most.

For instance, if you need more focus during your workday or you need improved sleep, this app will help.

Cost: Healthy Minds Innovation is free.

If you’re looking for more insight into meditation, check out Guided Sleep Meditation for Kids