Mindfulness mediation is more than just a hot trend but a core part of lasting sobriety. As we’ve discussed in the past, this ancient practice can help you experience each moment of life – the good and the bad – without judgment or preconceived notions. The result: less stress, anxiety and depression and more self-esteem and enthusiasm for life.
With all of the mental health benefits of mindfulness, it’s not too surprising that more and more companies are developing mindfulness apps. Certainly an app can never replace professional counseling, but it could be a helpful tool once you’ve completed your primary or residential addiction treatment. It’s something you can turn to 24-7 to ease anxiety and manage stress.
With so many apps on the market, how do you know which to choose? Ask yourself why the app would be helpful and how it will help you. For example, if it’s for stress, then which features help reduce stress? It’s also important to make sure any claims are backed by studies. Before downloading an app, talk to your addiction counselor or therapist to make sure the app aligns with your individual recovery goals.
Here are three science-backed meditation apps touted by numerous health professionals:
Insight Timer: Thousands of guided meditations and talks by top mindfulness experts, neuroscientists, psychologists and meditation teachers
- Discussion groups and community features
- Stats and milestones for tracking your progress
- The world's most popular meditation Timer
- Follow your favorite teachers
- Music tracks from world-renowned artists
Calm: Guided meditation sessions available in lengths of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 minutes
- Daily calm: a new 10-minute program to help ease you into the day or unwind with before bed
- Sleep stories: adult bedtime stories to lull you to sleep
- 7-day and 21-day programs for both beginner and advanced users
- Breathing exercises
- Unguided timed meditation
- Open-ended meditation
- 25+ soothing nature sounds and scenes
Aura: Daily science-backed and personalized mindfulness meditation exercises
- Meditations specifically created for your feelings
- Track your mood to learn about your mood patterns
- Daily reminders for mindful breathers and meditations
- Daily reflections to make gratitude a habit
- Various relaxation sounds and music for unguided meditations before sleep
Finding Peace at Complete Harmony
At Complete Harmony, we encourage the use of many different cutting-edge techniques to help clients heal the mind, body and spirit, including mediation. To learn more about our treatment center and our approach to addiction recovery, call today: 866-930-4673.
