When you are meditating at home, there is a possibility that you may become frustrated and give up before you truly start. The main reason for this, is that meditation is much more mental than physical. If you compare it to Yoga, you are usually aware when the posture or breathing is not right. In meditation, people tend to question themselves as to whether they are doing it right, or are they actually in a meditative state or not? The truth is that you are in and out of a meditative state frequently throughout the day, without realizing it. It is easier to mediate than you presume. With that said, rather than giving up, try using a meditation app to keep you positive and on track.
As the commercial for cleaning products says, “but that’s not all.” Mediation apps should be utilized because they have many different components that you may not be aware of. There are apps with nature sounds to help you relax. What about your breathing? Many people do not breathe correctly during the day, let alone while meditating. When choosing an app, it is best to look for one that is going to help with breathing that is going to reduce your heart rate and put you into a very calm state of mind.
Here are 5 of the best to try out now.
- Headspace – The name says it all. This is great for those who need to a tranquil voice guiding them to relax and let it happen. Studies have shown that kids that learn meditation have less stress and anxiety, so this app would be great to have on their phone. As this app has animations, it is not only great for the kids but will help you gain a better understand of the principals. If you have trouble falling asleep, this app has sleep sounds to lull you into a state of deep relaxation.
- Aura – This app has a feature that allows you to choose a meditation based on your current mood. With the moods, you can track and view the patterns of your day, helping you to come up with solutions for negative moods. In addition to daily meditations, Aura has life coaching and your choice of music/nature sounds.
- Inscape – This interesting app is actually part of a New York City meditation school. This means you can get guided meditations based on your own personal needs. The teachers at Inscape have a Zen room and will work with you on your mindfulness meditation. Once they understand your goals, you will get the right breathing exercises, meditations and recommended music tailored for your situation.
- Calm – It has been said that meditation does not have to be an hour long process that even five minutes will bring you joy. On the Calm app, they have meditations that are actually 3 to 25 minutes long. This is perfect for people who are on the go and perhaps want to step into a quiet room and do a 3 to 5 minute mediation to calm the mind and spirit. As with most of the other apps available, Calm has sleep sounds and nature sounds…plus breathing exercises. It never gets stale because there are new meditations every day. You can track your progress over a 7 or 21 day period.
- Insight Timer – If mindful meditation interests you, then check out the app because many people agree the teacher is one of the best out there. There are different styles to choose from depending on your daily needs. Check out the anxiety and stress reducing meditation if that is how you currently feel. Or have a look at being a loving person, filled with kindness for yourself and others. This is another app with a tracker so you can monitor your progress. If being rewarded is motivational for you, then this app is great because you can earn badges along the way.
