The importance and awareness of mental health have been gaining traction. The challenges we’ve all faced over the last few years have shown that taking care of our minds is an integral part of our overall health and well-being. The stigma around mental health is changing now that we have many resources at our fingertips. Let’s explore several mental health apps that are trending for 2023.
Calm
Available On: App Store & Google Play
Price: Limited Free Content, Premium Version for $14.99/Month or $69.99/Year
Calm focuses on mental health and stress management. The premium version will give you access to a library of content, including meditations, music, stretching videos, and relaxing scenes. This app can be a resource when you need a quick and relaxing mind break in your day. It can also be beneficial for establishing a better nighttime routine to help with falling asleep and staying asleep. If you’re looking for support when it comes to managing stress and adding more relaxation to your day, this could be the app for you.
Better Sleep
Available On: App Store & Google Play
Price: 7-Day Free Trial, Then $59.99/Year ($4.99/Month)
The Better Sleep app is dedicated to all things sleep. You can track your sleep cycles and patterns for better insight and awareness. Then you can create bedtime routines using their audio collection, guided meditations, and relaxation practices. Bedtime stories aren’t just for kids anymore. Their story library can help adults prepare for more restful sleep too. If you enjoy falling asleep to ambient sounds and music, you can create your own mix of favorite sounds.
Talkspace
Available On: App Store & Google Play
Price: Prices Vary Based on Subscription Plan – In Some Cases, It Is Covered by Insurance
Talkspace brings therapy sessions directly to your phone in a convenient and personalized manner. You can meet with a licensed therapist through text, audio, picture, and video throughout the week instead of waiting for a scheduled appointment. If you prefer to meet face-to-face, they also offer live sessions. After answering a few questions about yourself, you will get matched with a provider specifically for you. However, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. Talkspace offers a variety of plans to fit your budget and needs. Their platform prioritizes your privacy and is HIPAA compliant.
Breathwrk
Available On: App Store & Google Play
Price: Free, Breathwrk Pro for $9.99/Month or $49.99/Year
Deep breathing is proven to help manage stress, calm anxiety, and sleep better. The Breathwrk app focuses solely on breathing for better health. Guided exercises are available throughout the day to help you wake up, calm down, or prepare for sleep. You can also test your progress with max exhales ad breath holding. Schedule your breathwork to keep you on track and to help manage stress during a busy day. The exercises are quick and allow for short, timely breaks whenever you need them. This app is rated for everyone, meaning kids can use it too!
Lumosity
Available On: App Store & Google Play
Price: Free, Premium Version for $11.99/Month or $59.99/Year
Mental health includes caring for and practicing cognitive skills. Lumosity aims to train your mind with brain games focusing on memory, processing speed, and problem-solving. You can get new games daily, track your progress, and create a habit. The premium version will open their vast library of games. Test your attention, mathematics, and more, and see your progress over time. Their scientists research methods of cognitive training and then turn them into more appealing and fun games. Round out your workout routine by keeping your mind sharp too.
Apps are becoming a great addition to taking care of our mental health. They can provide quick and effective support when we need it. However, if you’re finding it hard to manage your mental health alone, don’t hesitate to talk with a professional therapist, counselor, or doctor for additional help.
Written by BWS Lead Health Coach- Kelly Schlather, BS, ASCM – CEP
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