The best apps to treat anxiety, lower stress and improve sleep

Stress and Anxiety disorders They increasingly affect more people of all ages. And while advisable is always consult a mental health specialist there are different mobile applications that allow to achieve a higher level of consciousness, clarity and acceptance of reality through techniques of meditation y mindfulness.

He mindfulness -The full attention- It is a technique that implies paying conscious and not critical attention to the present experience, moment by moment, with a attitude of curiosity, openness and acceptance. The meditation, Meanwhile, it is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a specific object or activity to achieve a state of calm and mental clarity.

Both techniques have a wide variety of Mental and physical health benefits. Some of the proven benefits include Stress reduction and anxiety the increase in concentration and memory, the improvement of sleep quality, Reduction of depressive symptoms the increase in empathy and compassion, and the improvement of emotional well -being in general.

“He mindfulness It is related to meditative practice. From the Buddhist perspective It is considered that the natural state that we have of conscience, that is, when we are awake, is extremely limiting. When we are awake, it looks more like a prolonged dream than a real state of consciousness, “he explains Virginia Martinispecialized in mindfulness and emotional awareness.

As for mobile applications, there are many options to test meditation or full attention on devices Android o iOS. These usually include Audio guidesas well as exercises to develop full attention in everyday situations.

Some of the common characteristics of these applications are Guided meditation sessions For experts, full attention exercises, tools to follow the learning and customization process of the meditation experience (duration of sessions or background music).

It is worth clarifying that specialists in these disciplines agree on the importance of taking into account that These applications should not replace professional medical advice or treatment Before serious symptoms of mental health problems.

Next, a list of Mental well -being apps better punctuated in application stores.

Calm is a popular meditation and mindfulness application that offers a wide range of tools and resources to help reduce stress anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Awarded like the 2017 app In the App Store store, Calm stands out for a large number of guided meditations, relaxing music, breathing programs, and Mindfulness sessions for different situations, such as work stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It also has additional characteristics such as sleeping stories and stress reduction programs.

On Calm, Martini says he proposes “full attention to certain sounds of nature and visual effects, although they are not the best because the idea is to maintain the state of full attention without distracted. The idea of ​​the conscious pauseof the quiet of the mind, it has to do with a connection with oneself to pay attention to who we are, to what we feel and what happens to us. ”

And he adds: “Everything that helps interrupt the automatism of our day and during the working day is welcome. The practice of mindfulness or meditation indicates that naturally people Before starting the day or sleeping they can make a short meditation“.

Calm is free and has versions for iOS and Android.

Another popular meditation application that offers a wide variety of guided meditations, mindfulness programs and breathing exercises to help improve mental clarity, relaxation and concentration.

It also has specific content for different situations, such as anxiety, work stress, and sleep improvement. In addition, Headspace offers Meditation programs for children and meditation programs at work.

Another option for mobile devices that offers custom guided meditations based on the needs, preferences and objectives of the user.

Aura, available on Android and iOS, uses a automatic learning algorithm To adapt meditations to your mood, stress level and other factors. It also offers Tools to improve sleep qualitythe reduction of stress and anxiety, and the improvement of the approach and concentration.

The app offers a huge Collection of more than 100,000 guided meditations no subscription or membership. Several sessions are even led by meditation celebrities such as the Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen and Russel Brand, as well as teacher Zen Thich Nhat Hanh.

Insight Timer also offers features such as Meditation music and a free meditation timer that allows you to practice without guide, with ambient noise and a soft final bell.

For the one who chooses to unlock premium functions, the optional payment version begins at $ 5 per month and includes meditation courses, Listen without connection and other functions.

Insight Timer available for iOS and Android devices.