Start 2018 Mindfully With the Help of Technology

Sometimes technology can actually help us attain a more balanced, healthy, peaceful and rewarding lifestyle. Applications or "apps" are available to download on smartphones to suit our specific needs. Below is a working list of applications in descending order by current December 2017 rating from the Apple App Store along with a quick description. Feel free to suggest more or leave a comment with your personal experiences. Happy downloading & happy healing!

Article on surge of mental health and mindfulness apps: Mindful of Mental Health https://itunes.apple.com/us/story/id1309995592.

"There may be more beautiful times, but this one is ours." Jean-Paul Sartre

• 4.8 - Calm: 
  

• "Calm is the #1 app for mindfulness & meditation to bring more clarity, joy and peace to your daily life." Less anxiety and better sleep. #yearofcalm

• 5 - Headspace: 
  

• "A few minutes could change your whole day" "Meditation has been shown to help people stress less, focus more and even sleep better. Headspace is meditation made simple." "We'll teach you the life-changing skills of meditation and mindfulness in just a few minutes a day."

• 4.9 - Insight timer: 
  

• "Most popular free meditation app with 3 million meditators and more free content than any other app." Ability to stream almost 8 k meditations. "Top-rated free meditation app on Android and iOS App Stores." Available in 25 languages!

• 4.5 - iSleep Easy:
  

•  "Meditations for a restful sleep." Recommended by Maria Menounos in a Shape magazine article in 2014. Also recommended by USA Today and Gigaom. Nature sounds & music. 

• 4.5 - Round Health: 
  

• "Best way to remember and record your medications and vitamins." "Live your life and still remember to take your pills." 
• Modernized medicine cabinet: Light resistant recyclable bottle has a built in battery, Bluetooth, cap removal sensor, child resistant cap, never needs charging, wireless syncing and knows when you're near by. Automatic logging to Round health app, caretaker notifications and alerts, and performance tracking and insights.

• N/A - Talkspace: 
  

• "It's like having a therapist in your pocket." "Online therapeutic conversation helps with mental health issues." 1. Free assessment 2. Select right online therapy plan 3. Get matched 4. Start messaging. Stigma free! 100% confidential and anonymous if you choose. Convenient, licensed and secure. "Instant access to therapy."

Technology is not just distraction or an additional stressor in our life - it can be a part of the solution.  Contrary to popular belief, "Unplugging" or "Hiatuses" from technology (television, cellular phone, iPad, social media accounts etc.) doesn't/don't have to necessarily be the first step in order to focus and work on mindfulness/awareness. With appropriate use, technology can actually supplement and aid in the mindfulness practice.

The goal: a more peaceful, centered, grounded, balanced and fulfilling lifestyle using different types of resources available to reach one's fullest potential and successfully handle any challenges that may arise in future.

With kindness XO,

Her

Sources: Headspace, Talkspace, Insight Timer, Calm, iSleepEasy, Round Health .