Through most of my life, I’ve been an optimist. I’ve always chosen to find joy in the little things…a scribbled picture from a loved one, an episode of Days of Our Lives or a goofy gesture from a friend. It was these simple items or acts that originally helped me be present, smile and find the calmness in my life. When my cancer returned, filling days with stress and uncertainty, I sought out Zen practices. I thought about how I needed to find peace from within, rather than relying on these acts/items to provide it. In the last few years, I’ve found small tools that not only increase positivity; they have also helped me find peace and calm during stressful situations. Yesterday, I spoke about this and my favorite smartphone apps that focus on mindfulness on WTNH-TV’s CT Style.
Healthy Gadget Girl: Five Mindfulness Apps
Happify is an app with scientific based positivity games. The creators claim that focusing on the positive words helps regulate negative emotions. I know it sounds silly, that a touchscreen video game can turn your mood around, but I’ve found it really works. After playing a few rounds, within minutes I noticed myself thinking happy thoughts and feeling less stressed.
This is one of my favorite apps. In 10-minutes a day, the app guides you through meditations helpful for the beginner or mindfulness guru. With short video tutorials, it also educates the user on the ease and importance of adding a little meditation daily. If you can’t get up and do it first thing in the morning, try it in the parking lot at work before you get out of the car.
This sound machine app provides calming sounds and white noise that can be used for baby relaxation or as a sleeping aid. I wish it was around when my son was young because we practically broke his noise machine using it during every night and nap.
Spirit Junkie is the official app of “miracles guru,” New York Times best-selling author, speaker and mindfulness expert, Gabby Bernstein. I’ve been told by many that reading positive affirmations each morning, helps jump-start a productive and positive day. This app can be synced to a smartphone so that an inspirational message pops up at a scheduled time daily.
My family drives in traffic and sits in waiting rooms frequently. We’ve found that listening to podcasts during these times entertains (and educates) us. Some of my favorite podcasts that incorporate mindfulness include Zen Parenting, Rich Roll and Wellness Mama that keep us entertained and educated.
Taking just a few minutes a day to focus on a clear mind can have tremendous health benefits both physically and mentally. Please share with us what methods or tools you use to de-stress.
