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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Promising Apps to Help with Stress, Sleep, and Relaxation

Promising Apps to Help with Stress, Sleep, and Relaxation

February 16, 2017 by Cathrine Hoekstra

I will be the first to admit that sometimes I do not sleep well. I get stressed out, and yes, at times, I need to relax. I try to avoid stress, but sometimes it is just unavoidable. I decided that I would try and put some of my technology to use (I love me some Apple products, particularly my phone and my iPad). I downloaded a few apps, after some researching, that could possibly help with sleep and relaxation.

The first app is Zen–Relax and Meditate with Guided Meditation. This app was voted one of Apple’s best in 2016. You can receive weekly guided meditations as well as help with relaxation, sleep, mood, anxiety relief, and stress reduction. I like that you can also get an inspirational quote when you open the app as well as music, various mantras, nature sounds and this also has an iMessage, Apple Watch, and Apple TV access too.

Pacifica is an app that helps with anxiety, stress, and depression relief. Now, I’m not in any way, shape, or form in the medical profession—I am merely suggesting applications that may be helpful to you as they are helpful to me. If you really feel that you suffer a great deal from anxiety, stress, and depression, I do suggest that you reach out to a doctor or a professional for some assistance.

With that being said, I like Pacifica because the app will randomly ask you how you are doing. In addition, there is a daily mood tracker, mindfulness tools, positive visualization, breathing assistance, and challenges that allow you to set goals for your overall health. This app was rated number one in Forbes’ 4 Technologies Innovating in Mental Health.

There’s another app that I use from time to time called Sleep Pillow. I used this one last night, and to be honest, I loved falling asleep to the sound of waves rolling in on the beach…probably because I could also picture myself in a house near the beach, with a window open, hearing these very sounds. It must have worked because I slept very well. You can set a timer for this app and play various sounds: rain, beach, nature, thunderstorms, and a fireplace (which is one that I want to try). You can even create a mix of music that might be helpful, in addition to having the option to purchase various sounds as well.

And the very first app that I used to help with all of this is Calm.

I love this app. It will read me a story.

You read that correctly–this.app.reads.to.me. When I open the app, the screen reads to take a deep breath (thanks for the reminder). I currently use the fireplace crackling to help with sleep, but on occasion, I pick the story called “The Waterfall.” The voice is so soothing, and as I’m sure you have guessed, there is water that will flow in the background. If you really want to relax, or perhaps, have a giggle, you can listen to Ferris Bueller’s teacher (Ben Stein) read a story as well. I have yet to try this particular story.

Anyone have good apps that you use? Anyone? Anyone? Anyone? (See what I did there?)

What apps do you use, or have you thought about using for reduction of stress and anxiety? Do you need help sleeping? I hope you find these somewhat helpful, as I have. And, if you have any suggestions, I’d love to read them!

 

 

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