Jenny Lee, clinical psychology registrar at Foresight Psychology, provides an introduction to mindfulness and some of the popular mindfulness phone apps.
The term “mindfulness” has become a popular topic in recent times, with many of us looking for ways to improve our mental health and cope with ever-changing life stressors. But what exactly is mindfulness? Mindfulness simply refers to our ability to be aware of the present moment without judging, evaluating, or reacting to our internal or external experiences. This is commonly used within psychological therapy to assist in developing strategies to help reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep-related difficulties and is often adapted or integrated with a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Mindfulness-based strategies are often relatively short and readily implemented into our daily routines, with this inherent flexibility allowing for easily accessible mindfulness-based exercises to be at our fingertips!
For most of us, mobile phones have become an integral component of our lives, always with us wherever we are. It is no surprise then that mental health apps have become widely popular, with many people looking for easily accessible support on the go. But with so many options available, it can often be confusing or overwhelming to figure out which app may help you. Clinical Psychology Registrar, Jenny Lee, looks at four of the most popular mindfulness-based apps available to help you make that decision.
Headspace
• An app designed to help you develop daily mindfulness and meditative practices, focusing on managing stress and improving sleep.
• A variety of guided daily mindfulness-based content, including meditative, breathing, and movement-based exercises, varying in length to allow you to pick what fits your schedule
• A range of longer programs to help build mindfulness-based habits in your everyday life
• Several sleep-related audio options, ranging from ambient nature sounds to calming narration
• Child-friendly mindfulness-based exercises designed specifically for children and parents to do together
Insight Timer
• A free mindfulness-based app focused on improving sleep and managing anxiety.
• A customisable meditation timer to help facilitate self-guided meditative practice
• A flexible library of guided meditations varying in duration to help you on the go, with meditative, breathwork, and yoga exercises readily available
• A range of focused sleep-related content, including music, stories, meditations, and sounds, with specific courses to assist in overcoming your sleep difficulties
• An inbuilt journal and mood tracker to help improve self-reflection
• Free
Calm
• An app designed to help you tackle your everyday stress and anxiety through mindfulness-based practices.
• A variety of guided mindfulness-based exercises and programs, including meditation, mindful movement, and breathing exercises, to help you build daily mindfulness habits within your schedule
• Differing mindfulness-based programs designed for beginners and advanced users
• A variety of sleep-related content, including sleep stories, music, and calming sleep sounds
• A broad range of themed content, including sleep stories read by notable celebrities and a child-focused catalogue incorporating various favourites
Smiling Mind
• An Australian mindfulness-based app designed to help reduce stress and support mental well-being.
• A variety of meditation-based programs for beginners and experienced users alike, with content focused on common difficulties relating to sleep, relationships, stress management, and the back-to-school period
• Specifically designed programs for both families and individuals of all ages, helping to target relevant difficulties you may be encountering
• Programs available in other languages, including specific Indigenous Languages programs
• Tailored programs designed specifically for sportspeople to help complement sports training
Ultimately, whilst there are some similarities and overlaps between these apps, your mileage will vary and it is important for you to think about what it is that you are looking for and hoping to get out of an app when making your decision. Just remember, you can always try one and change it if it does not seem like the right fit!
