10 Mindfulness Apps That Will Keep You Present, Because Multitasking Is So Last Year
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How many times have you found yourself scrolling through Instagram in the middle of relaxing time? We're all about leaving multitasking behind when we need it and instead practicing mindfulness, trying to focus on just one thing to allow our minds and bodies to feel present. It's about the experience, being present, feeling everything, focusing, and being aware — and while that sounds daunting, thankfully, you don't have to brave this quest on your own. While you might think looking at your phone goes against everything we just said, there are actually a lot of apps that can help you practice mindfulness through your day.
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Headspace
Headspace is the kind of app that you'll want to download if you're trying to implement mindfulness into your day. The library of meditations is varied and really big. Head to the app's Discover page to find ways you can be mindful while doing exercises like running, walking or cycling, gardening, cooking or even while taking a bath (when, if you're like me, your mind is just reeling about all the things you could be doing instead of relaxing).
Cost: $13 a month
MindFi
You won't want to close the MindFi app once you hear the sounds of chirping birds coming out of it. Every session begins with a breathing exercise. The app offers exercises that help you notice things you wouldn't normally during the day. Have you ever given much thought to the shirt you're wearing? How about experienced the feeling of cold water streaming through your body? These short to long sessions can help you become more observant of the environments you're in, taking your mind off other things.
Cost: $6 a month
Lake
You've heard how adult coloring books can help you focus and calm you. With Lake, you can have it all right at your fingertips. There are so many designs to choose from and so many colors so you can get as creative as you want. You can use the zoom feature to get those pesky nooks and crannies, and there's even a feature to help you color within the lines. All of a sudden, you'll realize it's been hours and you haven't had any negative thoughts in a while.
Cost: $8 a month
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Simple Habit
Simple Habit's library is so large. If you're new to mindfulness meditation, you can try the Foundations of Mindfulness session. If you're more experienced, there are sessions broken up by topics like Sleep, Relax, Health, and Relationships, and even an on-the-go feature that allows you to find a session that works for your commute or errand.
Cost: $12 a month
Inscape
Inscape finds a way to transport you to another world. Just like with other apps in this roundup, the app offers lots of different kinds of sessions (including a beer meditation that actually works). If you'd rather meditate on what's around you, Inscape offers sessions like Here & Now and Be Present, which are dedicated to being attentive to your current moment.
Cost: $59 a year
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The Mindfulness App
Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing mindful meditation for years, The Mindfulness App will help you focus and practice mindfulness wherever you are. With sessions from Mountain Meditation to Mindfulness in the Workplace, it's easier than ever to dedicate some time to clearing your mind. Sessions can run from 4 minutes to about 30 minutes, depending on how your day is going. And like anything important, you need to make some time in your schedule — the app gives you the option to set a reminder to meditate.
Cost: $10 a month
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10% Happier
You'll feel like the instructions on 10% Happier are speaking directly to you. Through body scans, breathing practices and engaging with thoughts, it allows for your body to easily become relaxed. Each session allows you to consciously be aware and accepting, and its expansive library has practically everything you need to practice mindfulness (including sessions for Tooth Brushing, Facebook Intoxication, and Resisting Our Cravings).
Cost: $100 a year
Reflectly
Journaling is great form of mindfulness meditation. With Reflectly, you can revisit that same kind of mindfulness you experienced as a child when teachers would offer a prompt and ask you to write down your thoughts. Topics like "Has your worst fear come true?" and "Would you be willing to die 10 years earlier to be rich?" offer an opportunity to look at your life.
Cost: $4 a month
Memorado
Memorado sounds like an app for a genius, but you'll be pleasantly surprised to find games that will allow you to focus your attention solely on a task allowing you to calm your thoughts. The games are placed in different categories like Concentration, Memory, Logic and Mindfulness. It's like brain camp, except you're fully entertained and fully aware at the same time.
Cost: $30 a year
GeoTap
GeoTap is billed as a relaxing game, and we agree. The game gives you a sphere and asks you to color each side by tapping the screen at the right time without tapping on a side you've already colored. Simple enough, but what makes this game calming is there is no mind work involved, other than quickly thinking about where you're going to tap next. The Tranquil mode for relaxation features calming hues of pinks, purples and blues.
Cost: Free
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