Anxious feelings getting on top of you? Check out our top five apps to calm the chaos…
MindShift
Cost: Free
This handy app has it all! It’s super user-friendly and allows you to track and treat your own individual anxiety symptoms using really simple CBT tools. CBT is the science of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which changes the way you think and behave, giving you more control over managing your problems.
MindShift has lots of great tools to help you overcome fears and phobias, tips to handle panic attacks and ways to cope with almost every kind of worry, from school to global warming.
Best bit: The Coping Cards. You can read through these simple statement cards to help you ride out your anxiety.
Available from:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/mindshift/id634684825
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bstro.MindShift&hl=en
Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
Cost: Free (option to upgrade to Headspace Plus for £4.99 a month)
Bring a little calm into your life with Headspace. This clever app is designed to teach you simple meditation and mindfulness techniques to use in your day-to-day life. The breathing exercises calm and control your breathing when panic strikes, plus there are lots of great mini workouts you can try to release stress and boost those feel-good vibes!
If you struggle to drift off to sleep, try the Sleepcasts – a collection of stories read in calming, soothing voices designed to take you to the land of nod…
Best bit: Sleep Music. If stories aren’t your thing, plug into this snoozy playlist to calm the mind and help you ease into a deep sleep.
Available from:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/headspace-meditation-sleep/id493145008
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getsomeheadspace.android&hl=en
Pocketcoach – Anxiety Helper
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)
Pocketcoach is a calming guide when you need it the most. The app starts with a quick one-minute quiz made up of simple questions to work out how anxious you are. Based on your quiz results, Pocketcoach will then recommend a self-help course, specially tailored for you.
The course is broken down into manageable daily tasks and activities to help you learn how to manage stress, anxiety and difficult emotions in just six weeks. This includes CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and relaxation techniques, thanks to Pocketcoach!
Best bit: The app design. The text-style layout means you can chat with your understanding guide.
Available from:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pocketcoach-anxiety-helper/id1469216793
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.pocketcoach.app
Rootd – Panic & Anxiety Relief
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)
If you feel an attack of anxiety or panic bubbling up in your chest, simply hit the big red button on Rootd for instant help. A calming voice will talk you through what you’re feeling and help you to focus on regaining control.
There are also lots of great lessons and tools for you to try when you’re in a better headspace, like the Breathe tool, which guides you through inhaling and exhaling to calm your body and mind.
Best bit: Ron, the cute monster character, AKA your new anxiety buddy. He’ll always be there at the touch of a button to guide you through your scariest moments.
Available from:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/rootd-panic-anxiety-relief/id1289018369
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rootd&hl=en_GB&gl=US
I Love Hue
Cost: Free (in-app purchases)
I Love Hue is a beautiful app designed to calm through colour. It’s a great way to switch off and take a moment of mindfulness – you can almost feel the stress slip away as you swipe to complete simple colour puzzles.
Work your way from Beginner to Visionary stage as you complete the puzzles and earn hearts or use prisms to unlock levels. It not only looks great, it’s fun to play and oddly soothing!
Available from:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/i-love-hue/id1081075274
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zutgames.ilovehue
