Ever since President John F. Kennedy introduced the Community Mental Health Act back in the early 1960s, the world has been thrown into an unexpected but much-needed mental health revolution. And because of it, highly beneficial practices — such as mindfulness, journaling, and meditation — have fortunately emerged as a result of this action.
In turn, it has helped numerous people to feel better, both mentally and emotionally. While we still do have a way to go in fully removing mental health stigma, we’ve nevertheless made incredible strides in addressing the underlying causes of mental disorders. And now that we’re firmly in the digital age, what better way is there than to receive the guidance you need digitally, from the comfort of your own home?
Indeed, the introduction of the world wide web has made it easier than ever before to get the help you need, all without even needing to leave your home. Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the top six gadgets and apps that will help you kickstart your journey towards your best mental well-being… all with just one click of your mouse!
The Top Three Mindfulness Apps for Beginners
Mindfulness is a practice involving meditation or thoughtfulness, which allows you to feel at peace and more in touch with your surroundings. While the original technique stems from Buddhism, researchers and practitioners have developed the technique to make it more effective and easy for the layperson to perform.
These days, app developers have been able to come up with several innovations to make your meditations easy and intuitive, yet still very carefully guided. These three apps can not only help make this journey a breeze, but they can also help you finally achieve the inner peace you seek.
Headspace
Headspace is a free app that completely takes charge of your mental well-being, while still making your healing experience somewhat fun and enjoyable. The app has got a variety of guided meditations for all sorts of stressors, whether it’s stress, anger, or sadness… but it doesn’t stop at that.
The app also notifies you to perform your daily meditations to help you form a routine, and the cheerful interface allows you to explore features (such as inspiring stories, workouts, mindfulness and focus guides, and feel-good music) to help you start your day on an excellent note.
Headspace also helps you manage your sleep schedule and provides some soothing options for bedtime stories and relaxing music that help you drift off to sleep at a set time every night. You’ll find yourself feeling more refreshed and alert after using this app.
Mindfulness with Petit BamBou
Petit BamBou is fairly similar to Headspace, but it has a somewhat different vibe and aesthetic when compared to the app. Its simple interface makes it a great option for beginners who just want to try taking some time out for relaxation at the end of the day. It also makes the experience fun and refreshing, making it easier for you to stick to your daily meditation habit.
While the free versions of this app are incredibly beneficial, many users have found the premium version to be a much better fit for them. These additional premium features allow you to unlock special features to track your progress, customize your meditations, unlock additional tools and gain advice from actual professionals.
Calm
Although Calm doesn’t have an exciting interface and flashy features like some other apps, it’s truly the most dedicated meditation app out there. The minimalist interface allows you to select between songs or guided meditations and jump into your meditation quickly, proving that simplicity may very well be better.
The application also has a variety of tutorials to help you learn how to relieve stress and anxiety. By immersing yourself in your meditations, you can find yourself falling asleep easily and enjoying reduced stress levels in your daily life. With a premium membership, you’ll also be able to gain access to masterclasses from mental health professionals from all over the globe, too.
Three Essential Tools To Help Begin Your Mindfulness Journey
Meditating can feel difficult, especially if you’re struggling with constant stress and anxiety. If you’re unable to switch your mind off, so to speak, why not try out some of these easy and affordable tools? With their help, you can slip more easily into a calm meditative state — without any unwanted stress or fuss.
Bluetooth Headphones
Not only do Bluetooth headphones allow you to get rid of pesky wires that can snag on things and annoy you, but they also block out external noises completely so that you don’t get distracted during your me-time. It’s a win-win all around.
Meditation Lights
Although most meditations ask you to close your eyes, your surroundings’ natural lighting may not serve as the best ambiance to slip into calmness. If your home’s lighting bothers you, try investing in some special meditation lights to make things easier. Remember, warmer colors like red are more soothing, whereas blue can be more stimulating.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oils have been proven to help with stress relief, and breathing into their soothing aromas will help create the ideal meditation environment for you. Scents like lemon, lavender, jasmine, and vanilla can help put your mind at ease and make it easier for you to experience tranquility.
Are You Making the Most of Today’s Technology?
The fact is, our world has become more competitive and fast-paced by the day. Forcing yourself to keep up with it not only can exhaust you, but it can also overwhelm you, too. While meditation can be helpful for more superficial stressors, deep underlying triggers, constant mood swings, and depression cycles that interfere with your life require the attention of a professional.
If you’ve noticed that your moods have been poor and your emotions unstable, however, then guidance from a professional therapist may be more beneficial for you. Something as simple as a basic personality disorder test can help you figure out if you should seek professional help. And by combining these recommended daily mindfulness habits with professional guidance, you can start achieving inner peace in no time!
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