Six Mindfulness Apps to Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep

Photos via Headspace, Ten Percent Happier, Jour

Whether it’s the constant notifications popping up on your phone or the crowded commute home, it can feel difficult to get a moment to yourself to just breathe. But thanks to meditation and mindfulness apps, it’s getting easier to set aside five to ten minutes when you get home to improve your stress levels and mental health.

Meditation reduces stress, improves concentration and creativity, and so much more. If you’re looking to bring some relaxation into your life, try one of these mindfulness apps.

Aura

If you’re short on time, Aura provides three-minute mediations. Each meditation is chosen specifically for you based on your mood. You also have the option to save the meditations you enjoy and listen again later.

Glo—Yoga and Meditation

For those that enjoy yoga as a form of meditation, this app includes online yoga, meditation, and Pilates classes. You can set a weekly schedule on the app to keep yourself accountable and download the classes to take with you on-the-go.

Headspace

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, increase sleep and focus, or improve your relationships—Headspace has hundreds of guided meditations to help with each. If you don’t know how to meditate, don’t worry—their free basics course will teach you how to get started. Plus, the screen is darker and the buttons are easy to find in order to prevent sleep interruption before bed.

10% Happier

With a library of over 500 guided meditations, this app provides an endless amount of meditations on a variety of topics. For those moments when you don’t feel like meditating, the app also offers wisdom, inspiration, and short stories to keep you focused and relaxed.

Jour

If writing and reflecting helps you relax, this is the app for you. Jour offers daily questions to help you think about your day, set intentions, and reflect on your emotions. The app also informs you of your progress by keeping track of your daily entries.

Prezence

This app, created by Boston-based EverybodyFights trainer Colleen Hayes—with the help of other Boston wellness pros, like meditation expert Catie Macken—is intended to help you establish a routine, achieve your goals, and align your day. By selecting a focus—build habits, reduce stress, be present—you can curate thoughtful daily exercises and content to help you recenter.