Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries, but it’s only in recent years that we have seen the rise of meditation apps and other devices designed specifically to help people meditate. This article will introduce you to some of the best meditation apps out there today.
Meditation apps are not new, but they are becoming more popular as people realize how beneficial they can be. These apps range from free to very expensive, so make sure you check them all out before deciding which one is right for you.
The 12 Best Meditation Apps That Will Teach You to Meditate
1. Headspace
Headspace is an app that was created by Andy Puddicombe, who also wrote the book “How To Be A Mindful Person: The 6 Foundations Of Mindfulness In Everyday Life.” It teaches mindfulness through guided meditations and audio recordings.
Headspace offers three different subscription plans: a monthly plan for $9.99 per month, a weekly plan for $2.99 per week, or a daily plan for $0.99 per day. There is also a 30-day trial available for each subscription plan.
You can download the Headspace app on your iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or Android tablet.
2. Calm
Calm is another app that was developed by Andy Puddicome. Calm focuses on teaching mindfulness through guided meditations, relaxation exercises, and breathing techniques.
Calm offers two different subscription packages: a monthly plan for just $4.99 per month, or a yearly plan for $49.99. There is also a 14-day free trial available for both plans.
3. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a simple app that helps teach you to meditate. The app uses a timer to track your time spent meditating. After you set up your timer, you simply sit down and do nothing until the timer goes off.
Insight Timer offers a free version with limited features or a paid version that includes unlimited features. Both versions offer a 14-day free trail.
4. Omvana
Omvana is an app that was designed to help people learn to meditate. It does this through a series of guided meditations and relaxation exercises.
Omvana offers four different subscription options: a monthly plan for only $9.95 per month, a biweekly plan for $19.95 per month, or a weekly plan for $29.95 per month, and a daily plan for $39.95 per month.
5. Zencastr
Zencastr is a podcasting app that allows users to listen to podcasts while doing other things, such as driving or working.
There are currently over 300,000 episodes available on Zencastr, including ones about meditation.
6. Pocket Yoga
Pocket Yoga is a mobile app that contains yoga videos. The app is designed to allow you to take your yoga practice anywhere you go.
7. iMindfulness
iMindfulness is an app that combines meditation with mindfulness. Users can choose between a variety of guided meditations, ranging from 5 minutes to 20 minutes long.
8. Sleep Cycle
Sleep Cycle is an app that tracks your sleep patterns. This information can then be used to determine when it’s best to wake up in order to get the most amount of rest possible.
9. Binaural Beats
Binaural beats use sound waves to create specific frequencies that stimulate brainwaves. These sounds have been proven to improve focus and concentration.
10. Free Meditation Music
Free Meditation Music is a website that provides free meditation music. All of the music has been chosen because it will help you relax.
11. Focus@Will
Focus@will is an app that was created by Will Schutzman. It was specifically made to help people who struggle to stay focused at work.
12. Deepak Chopra’s 10 Minute Meditation
Deepak Chopra’s 10-minute meditation is one of the best meditations out there. It’s short and easy to follow along with.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Meditation App?
Meditation apps can be extremely beneficial to anyone looking to start practicing meditation. They provide a convenient way to learn how to meditate without having to spend countless hours reading books and watching YouTube videos.
They can also help you keep track of your progress throughout your journey towards becoming more mindful. When choosing which meditation app to try first, consider what type of meditation experience you want to gain.
What should I look for in a meditation app?
When searching for a meditation app, make sure that the app you choose meets all of these criteria:
• Provides a variety of guided meditative experiences
• Allows you to record your sessions
• Offers a wide range of meditation types
• Has a simple interface
• Is user-friendly
• Can sync across multiple devices
• Includes audio recordings
• Is affordable
Meditations based on your mood
If you’re looking for a meditation app that focuses on helping you find happiness through self-reflection, you might want to check out Happy Mappy.
This app features several guided meditations that are based on a particular theme. For example, you could choose a “Happy” meditation if you wanted to reflect on something positive that happened during the day.
Alternatively, you could choose a meditation themed around love. In this case, you would be reflecting on a person that makes you happy or someone whom you love.
You can even choose a meditation based on your current emotional state. If you feel sad, you can choose a “Sad” meditation. Or, if you’re feeling angry, you can select an “Angry” meditation.
You can also choose a meditation based on a certain time of day. The “Morning” meditation is perfect for those who need some motivation to start their day off right. Alternatively, you can choose a meditation based on what you ate earlier that day.
The “Afternoon Snack” meditation helps users connect with themselves after eating. After you finish recording your session, you can share it with friends via social media. This allows them to see exactly what you did while meditating.
The Guide to Mindfulness for Sleep
Mindful sleep is a mindfulness technique that teaches you how to fall asleep faster and get better quality rest.
It involves focusing on the present moment as opposed to thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
In other words, it’s a form of meditation.
There are many ways to practice mindful sleep. Here are three of the most popular ones:
1) Practice 5-10 minutes of focused breathing before bedtime.
2) Use a mantra to focus your mind.
3) Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom.
Focused Breathing
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for sleep is by taking deep breaths.
By doing so, you will calm down and relax your body.
To do this, lie down in bed and breathe deeply into your stomach.
As you inhale, imagine that air filling up your lungs completely.
Then, exhale slowly as you release any tension from your muscles.
Repeat this process until you feel sleepy.
A Mantra
Another way to help you fall asleep quickly is to use a mantra.
Mantras are short phrases that have been proven to improve mental clarity and concentration.
They are often used when people pray or chant.
For instance, you can say “I am grateful for…” or “May I be peaceful.”
Creating a Relaxing Environment
When you create a relaxing environment in your home, it can make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Here are some things you should consider adding to your bedroom:
• A comfortable mattress
• Soft lighting
• Comfortable pillows
• A warm blanket
If you follow these steps, you won’t find yourself tossing and turning all night long. Instead, you’ll drift off to dreamland in no time!
While there are many reasons why we don’t sleep well, here are five tips that can help.
1. Avoid caffeine late in the afternoon.
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system which can keep us awake.
If you drink coffee or tea later in the day, try drinking it between 11 am and 3 pm instead.
2. Keep your room cool.
Your brain needs to stay cooler than 98 degrees Fahrenheit in order to function properly.
So, if you live in a hot climate, open your windows during the summer months.
You may even want to invest in an air conditioner.
3. Exercise regularly.
Exercise releases endorphins – natural painkillers – in the brain.
This makes it easier to fall asleep.
4. Try using a white noise machine.
White noise machines produce sound waves that mask outside noises.
This helps block out external distractions and promotes relaxation.
5. Don’t watch TV right before bed.
According to research, watching television just before going to bed increases stress levels.
Instead, read a book or listen to music.
How to Manage Stress with Mindfulness and Meditation
Stress is unavoidable. But it doesn’t need to control you.
In fact, mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and lead to better overall wellness.
Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention to what’s happening in the present moment without judgment. It involves being aware of thoughts, feelings, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and sensations.
Meditation is the practice of focusing on one thing (such as breathing) while remaining fully conscious.
Both practices can reduce anxiety and stress, increase happiness, and promote a sense of calmness.
To learn more about how mindfulness and meditation can benefit your life, check out these resources:
• The Mindful Way Workbook by Jon Kabat-Zinn
• How to Be Present by Thich Nhat Hanh
• 10% Happier by Dan Harris
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
• The Art of Happiness by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
• The Mind Illuminated by Ram Dass
• The Power of Intention by Wayne Wolden
• The Subtle Body by Eknath Easwaran
• The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• The Five Minute Journal by Julia Cameron
• The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
• The Little Book of Calm by Dr. Stephen Cope
Frequently asked questions about meditation apps
Q: What types of meditation apps do you recommend?
A: I use Headspace for guided meditations. They have hundreds of free sessions available.
Q: Do any meditation apps offer audio recordings?
A: Yes, they do. Some also include video instructions.
Q: Can I record my own voice for guided meditation?
A: Sure! Just make sure that the recording quality is high.
Q: Are there any good apps for beginners?
A: There are plenty of beginner-friendly apps. My favorite is called Insight Timer.
Q: Is there anything else I should know?
A: Here are some other helpful tips:
1. Start slow.
It takes time to get used to meditation.
2. Practice at least 5 minutes per day.
This will help you build muscle memory.
3. Don’t try too hard.
If you feel anxious, frustrated, or stressed, take a break.
4. Avoid multitasking.
When you try to do two things at once, you lose focus.
5. Keep a journal.
Writing down your experiences can be therapeutic.
6. Get enough sleep.
Sleep deprivation leads to poor decision-making and impaired cognitive function.
7. Eat well.
Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve mood.
8. Exercise regularly.
Exercise boosts endorphins which makes us happier
Takeaway
Meditation has been shown to boost self-awareness, enhance creativity, reduce stress, and even improve physical health.
But many people don’t know where to start.
That’s why I created this guide.
I hope it helps you find the best meditation app for you.
