Free Meditation and Anxiety apps
Last updated March 1, 2021
In times of uncertainty and stress, it can be easy to fall in the trap of overthinking or living in our heads. These free apps can help you relax, focus on what’s important, and ease your anxiety.
Aura
Personalized meditation based on how you’re feeling, for example: Great, Can’t sleep, Sad, or Anxious. Pick one and the app will guide you through an exercise.
Calm
Guided 3 to 25 minute sessions to help in calming anxiety, practicing gratitude and more. You can choose sounds to help with sleep or choose a breathing exercise. If you are practicing meditation for the first time, there are programs for beginners.
Smiling Mind
Simple 10-minute meditation sessions based on age groups. There are also different programs for if you’re working or studying.
Meditation without an app
Free. No smartphone needed
Mindful has a basic meditation to aim for mindfulness. They describe mindfulness as “the act of bringing attention to one’s breath and then back when our attention has wandered, to develop a healthier relationship with ourselves”.
Set aside five minutes for the following (longer if you want):
- Get comfortable and prepare to sit still for a few minutes. Focus on your own natural inhaling and exhaling of breath.
- Focus on your breath. Where do you feel your breath most? In your belly? In your nose? Try to keep your attention on your inhale and exhale.
- Follow your breath for two minutes. Take a deep inhale, expanding your belly, and then exhale slowly, elongating the out-breath as your belly contracts.
Did you experience random thoughts as you practiced breathing? That’s totally natural. Keep practicing and it will get easier to focus on your breath and let go of distractions; the more often you practice (even for 5-10 minutes/day), the more calm you will feel.