In this day and age, we live incredibly stressful lives. The main source of stress is usually your job, but even if everything is running smoothly in that aspect, you can rest assured that you will stress out about other things in life.
For example, you get stuck in traffic on your way home, so you can’t get to the gym like you originally planned, or you can’t meet your friends for dinner.
If you’re in a relationship, your partner may say something that will hurt you, most likely because they are also stressed out. Regardless of how in control you are of your own life, it seems like stress is pretty much inevitable.
If you think that working home would alleviate some of the job-related stress, think again. Here is what Wendy Briggs, a writer for UK writing service, had to say about it:
“As a writer, even though I am totally free to take breaks during the day and organize my schedule in any way I see fit, I still need to stick to strict deadlines, maintain a certain level of quality, and do revisions almost immediately. Even if you are working part-time, it feels like it’s a full-time deal, because the stress is always there.”
So, what can you do? Well, first you need to realise that there is no such thing as a stress-free life because that’s the way we are wired.
We can’t help but worry about things that matter to us. Also, stress can be a positive thing, because it protects us in dangerous situations, and motivates us to work harder.
What we actually have a problem with are our reactions to stress. It is possible to identify stress, and then react it to in a different manner and channel it, instead of obsessing over things we can’t control.
We have selected 8 amazing apps that will help you manage your stress and keep anxiety at bay. Keep on reading.
1. Calm
Meditation is one of the best methods of dealing with stress. However, finding the time to join a class and practice is often impossible.
You shouldn’t worry, though, because Calm allows you to meditate from the comfort of your own home. You can choose from several different guided meditations, which will help you with your focus, mindfulness, and will also allow you to organise your thoughts and emotions. Available for free for both Android and iOS.
2. Headspace
Another reason why we get so incredibly stressed out is because we are trying to do to as much as we can, while not having enough time to do it.
And it’s a constant feeling, because there is always more work to be done and more things to be dealt with. If you are always short on time, you may want to check out Headspace.
One session takes only 10 minutes, and it’s well worth your time. Its meditations will help you relax, control your breathing, and simply enjoy some peace and quiet, while you receive guidance. You can get the app for your Android or iOS free of charge.
3. HelloMind
Ever had someone telling to calm down, which then drives you even madder? While it does feel easier at first to lash out at someone, the consequences of it are not always pretty.
The good news is that you can calm down. HelloMind is an app which provides you with a wide variety of hypnotherapy sessions, depending on what you need help with.
It can help you deal with fear, low self-esteem, or encourage to think positively. Available for both Android and iOS.
4. Moodnotes
In literature, writers often rely on the retrospective writing technique, which provides us with a glimpse of the character’s mind, and allows us to view a particular event from their point of view.
Even if you are not a writer, you can use this method to deal with stress. Just think of yourself as one of the characters and write about your experiences.
With Moodnotes, you will be able to do that with ease. On top of that, it will help you increase your awareness. Available for iOS for $3.99.
5. Happify
This app was built around the idea that anyone’s brain, regardless of what they do and how old they are, can be taught anything.
This means you can learn to be happy, despite how much stress and anxiety you are dealing with on a daily basis.
Happify will help you do that by training you to think positively through a series of entertaining games and activities. And while it will feel like you’re just having fun, you will be battling stress on several levels. Free for both Android and iOS.
6. How Are You
Although we often get asked how we are, it’s become a part of small talk, without any genuine concern behind it. And we usually respond by saying that we feel great, even though it may not actually be the case.
How Are You will help you tap into your true emotions and thoughts by getting past that barrier which causes us to give generic answers which are completely disconnected from our feelings. The app is available for Android only, and it costs $12.99.
7. Lantern
Lantern is a self-development app which will enable to become a better version of yourself. By implementing the tips the app provides you with on a daily basis, you will become more capable and calm.
All you need to do is join the Lantern program, and then you can use it for free, if you are an iOS user.
8. Pacifica
If you are still at a point where you think professional therapy is overkill, but you are still having trouble dealing with stress, then Pacifica may be just the thing you need.
Designed by psychologists, this app will help you get rid of stress and anxiety through meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. Free for both Android and iOS.
Stress doesn’t have to navigate your life. You are in control of it, and the sooner you realise that, the better. With these helpful apps, you will be able to turn things around in no time and become a happier person.
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Author: Joan Selby
Joan Selby is a former ESL teacher and a content marketer at SuperiorPapers. She also runs her own blog about social media and writing tips. Joan is a Creative Writing graduate and fancy shoelover. A writer by day and reader by night, giving creative touch to everything. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.