If scrolling through social media is causing you stress and anxiety, you might be tempted to forgo your phone. But in our digital-driven age where we feel the need to be always connected, that can be a tall order. Instead of powering down your phone, open one of these stress-beating apps, available on both iOS and Android platforms:
Indulge Your Inner Artist: Colorfy
Coloring isn’t just for kids. Staying in the lines—or going boldly outside them, if you prefer—as you shade in figures can be very calming. Colorfy is a game that doesn’t involve vanquishing enemies or wrestling with words; rather, it allows you to relax your mind as you use digital tools to color in figures, flowers, mandalas, and more. Whether you opt for a simple design or tackle a more complex one, you’ll have fun as you channel your inner artist.
Get a Better Night’s Sleep: White Noise Lite
A good night’s sleep can make a difference. White Noise Lite is a free app that offers 50 ambient sounds to help you relax or fall asleep. The sound catalogue includes many soothing environmental sounds, such as the hum of an air conditioner, the gentle splash of a boat swaying in a water, and the chirping chorus of crickets. It even has a digital clock feature that allows you to change colors or adjust the brightness so that it doesn’t distract you from sleep.
Track Your Moods: Moodfit
Tracking your daily moods is one way of recognizing patterns in your life so that you can create better coping strategies. Moodfit provides an easy-to-use mood tracker, along with a host of other tools to boost your mood and improve your outlook. The Grounding tool can limit anxiety-riddled thoughts, while the Low Mood tool gives you a step-by-step approach to lift your spirits. Want to track more of the silver linings in your life? The Gratitude tool offers a place to journal your happy thoughts. Moodfit also offers assessments of your symptoms of anxiety and depression, though these should not replace the diagnoses of a professional counselor.
Reframe Your Mindset: Mantra
Experts suggest daily affirmations to help you break patterns of negativity and reset your mindset. The Mantra app provides a collection of daily affirmations that are routinely updated. Make positive statements a part of your daily routine whenever and however many times you want. Here’s an example to start your morning off right: “Today will be a gorgeous day. I am safe and sound all as well. I am grateful.”
Build a Meditation Practice: Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a meditation app that boasts a community of 20 million users. This award-winning app offers a simple way to start meditating if you’re brand-new to it or to build a better practice if you’re ready to take the next step in your journey of self-reflection. Guided meditations can help people lower their stress and get better sleep. Whether you prefer sitting or walking meditations, you’ve got plenty of options ranging starting from ones that last only a few minutes to longer sessions as you expand your practice.
If you are struggling with stress and anxiety, no app is a replacement for talking to an experienced professional. Learn more about how Beachside Rehab in West Palm Beach, Florida can support you in recovery. Call 866-349-1770 today to connect with a trained admissions counselor.