WHAT ARE WELLNESS APPS?
Designed for mobile platforms, wellness applications promote a healthy lifestyle and vary from specialized fitness apps that enable activity tracking, physical and mental exercises, or nutrition management to general wellness monitoring solutions.
For mild anxiety: Sanvello
Developed in partnership with therapists, doctors, and researchers, Sanvello provides assistance to individuals experiencing mild anxiety, depression, and stress by employing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Additionally, it features a community of peers where users can engage in communication, exchange advice, or simply have a conversation during times of solitude.
For everyday support: Exhale
Created by Katara McCarty, a public speaker and advocate for well-being, Exhale is designed with a focus on Black, indigenous, and women of color. It provides mental health and emotional support through guided meditations, visualizations, breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and coaching.
For nutritious recipes: Feel Better by Deliciously Ella
Deliciously Ella, the brand, offers a convenient app filled with a variety of nutritious and tasty recipes, home-based workout routines, and informative articles on well-being. Your weekly meal planning just became more enjoyable.
Best for fitness: Alo Moves
Whether you’re a novice in the fitness realm, Alo Moves caters to all with its broad range of classes encompassing yoga, Pilates, HIIT, cardio, and, of course, barre. The app simplifies the process of choosing your desired level and duration and it allows you to bookmark your favorite series. Additionally, for those inclined towards sound therapy and meditation, there are videos available. For positive energy, we strongly endorse classes led by Briohny Smyth, Christa Janine, and Jacy Cunningham.
For at-home treatments: Urban
Experience the ease of indulging in therapeutic, stress-relieving massages or reflexology without leaving your home or hotel room, thanks to Urban. The massage therapists are highly skilled, the booking process is effortless, and the treatment menu is comprehensive, including physiotherapy and pregnancy-friendly services. It’s no surprise that beauty editors highly recommend it.
For mindfulness beginners: Headspace
Headspace stands as one of the most renowned wellness apps, pioneering new territory upon its 2010 launch. It revolutionized access to information and guidance on visualization techniques, mindfulness, and meditation, particularly for those unfamiliar with such practices. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Watson, and Jessica Alba reportedly use and appreciate it, likely due to its effectiveness, even when followed for just a few minutes daily.
For reassessing your mood: Happy Not Perfect
In moments of stress or when negative thoughts become overwhelming, pause and regain control with the Happy Not Perfect app. By inputting your daily mood, you’ll undergo seven scientifically-supported steps to refresh and re-energize your mind. It’s remarkable how dedicating just five minutes can positively impact your overall well-being.
For settling the mind: Calm
Calm takes a comprehensive approach to managing stress, offering a 360-degree concept. Whether you’re looking to experiment with meditation for mental reset, seeking aid for better sleep, or in need of tools for practicing mindfulness, this service has you covered. Access audio programs instructed by some of the world’s leading mindfulness experts, all accompanied by incredibly soothing music and imagery.
For future-planning: My Possible Self
Highlighted in the NHS Apps gallery as an acknowledged well-being resource and clinically validated to diminish stress and anxiety, My Possible Self empowers you to positively reshape the future, even in moments of uncertainty. It also serves as a reminder of your progress. The app is goal-oriented without fostering competition, offering learning modules to assist you in achieving objectives ranging from fear management to problem-solving.
For positive thinking: 365 Positivity
Delivering brief and motivational quotes to your phone daily throughout the year, the app strives to enhance positive thinking and encourage proactive thoughts and actions, all with minimal effort on your part.
For helping you sleep: Sleepio
Sleep, crucial for resting and recharge our minds, can often be disrupted during times of uncertainty or anxiety. Sleepio, tailored for insomnia but effective for various sleep issues, is based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. By completing the sleep diary and addressing your concerns with a virtual ‘therapist,’ you can utilize lessons and mindfulness tools to facilitate a peaceful and restful sleep.
EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
Best mental health apps according to Vogue France
- The Bloom Space
- Mind Day
- Zen by Deezer
- Bubble Wellness
source: The best wellbeing and meditation apps for a moment of zen – Harper’s Bazaar & https://www.vogue.fr/article/applications-sante-mentale
