My Gift to You
Apps to Fight Anxiety and Stress
In this busy season, I know that I struggle to find time to slow down and relax. We all have a lot on our plates.
Lucky for me, my work facilitating embodied wholeness and quieting of the tissues and nervous systems with my clients is also a calming resource for me.
As my gift to you, I want to share some additional resources that I received from
my Occupational Therapy colleagues.
1) Pacifica
This app has a suite of tools to help control stress and anxiety including daily mood trackers, relaxation audio tools, thought analysis, daily experiments, and a health tracker. The company that developed the app said it’s not about quick fixes, but focuses on day-by-day progress. Some features available for free, others require a subscription.
Download for free for Android and iOS.
2) MindShift
This app was developed for teens and young adults to help cope with anxiety. The app helps you learn how to relax, find more helpful ways of thinking, and take the steps to deal with everyday anxiety.
Free for Android and iOS.
3) Relax Melodies
We know how important sleep is, and this app says it will help you fall asleep faster. The app consists of high quality white noise sounds, music melodies, and the option to customize your own mix. You could also use this app when exercising, during meditation, or to help take a quick nap.
Free for Android and iOS.
An OT colleague on Twitter says it worked for a client who wasn’t responding to other relaxation techniques.
4) Breathe2Relax
Developed by the Department of Defense, this app is dubbed as a “portable stress management tool.” The app consists of hands-on diaphragmatic breathing exercises that have been documented to decrease the body’s stress response and help with anxiety management.
Free for Android and iOS.
5) Headspace
This app, which helps make meditation simple, is highly recommended by other Occupational Therapists. The app guides you through meditations based on your current need (such as "about to have a mini meltdown") that range from 2 to 60 minutes. It keeps track of your meditations so you can track your journey. Try it free and then pay for a subscription.
Available on Android and iOS.
Nature is another resource that I encourage for calming. Even if you just take a few minutes to go outside for some fresh air, it can be very restorative.
I would love to hear feedback on your experiences with these apps. And Please feel free to share them with others!
Wishing you a season of joy!
Sari
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