At some point in our life most of us experience and face anxiety in some form: wanting to make a great first impression at a new job, nervously approaching new social circles or situations, worry about beginning new romantic relationships — it happens to all of us. Anxiety is more distinct than being a little stressed, though. It is a deep feeling of helplessness and worry that interferes or sabotages our daily routine and possibly our health. Anxiety is known to induce panic attacks, insomnia, and absentmindedness. Especially in women, anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like an upset stomach, sweating, trembling, feeling weak or tired, rapid breathing and even difficulty in concentrating on anything other than what is triggering us. This can lead to the manifestation of other habits in an attempt to relieve it, like a dependency on drugs or alcohol.
Anxiety is not a condition felt by a few. 20% of Australians, ages 16-85, and 13.1% of UK citizens, ages 17-19, were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. US citizens aged 26 to 49 are 44% more likely to suffer from “chronic worry”, but only 36.9% pursue medical help. New research has also found that anxiety disorders may even be genetically passed down, should your family have a history – so there’s that.
In our hectic lives of randomness and post-pandemic uncertainty true, lasting peace of mind may be difficult, even illusive. However, there are without a doubt plenty of tools and resources that can help make it all a bit more manageable and way less worrisome. Here are some of the best, in the form of mobile apps, to help us with anxiety.
1. Headspace – All platforms – Subscription, Free trial available
You’ve heard it, you’ve seen it, listened to ads about it – and all for good reason. Bar none, Headspace offers the most well-designed app for your mental relaxation needs. With hours of soothing sounds, guided meditations, ambient noise, and focus-boosting playlists, this app is the perfect place to give your head, well, space.
2. WorryTree – All platforms – Free, Paid subscription for extra features
Put your stresses to paper, er, pixel with WorryTree. Following the practices of cognitive behavioural theory (CBT), the app has you enter your worries in an easy-to-understand format, giving you a space to self reflect on your fears and bring them to light. It’s a great way to bring practicality and order to the chaos and uncertainty of anxiety.
3. Moodfit – All platforms – Free, Paid subscription for more features
A true jack-of-all-trades, the app hosts a plethora of tools and activities to prevent anxiety as it comes and helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle, keeping track of medication, sleep, and more. Add your own custom activities, journal your gratitude and mood, and use the CBT Thought Record to analyze your mind.
4. Healthy Minds Program – All platforms – Free
Another well-made meditation app. Divided up among 5 main categories of Foundations, Awareness, Connection, Insight, Purpose, this app offering a wide variety of soothing guided meditations, both active and stationary, as well as informative podcasts with real scientists and researchers from the fields of phycology, anxiety, and mindfulness. The level of polish for a completely free experience is not to be missed.
5. Infinity Loop – Google Play – Free
Welcome to the endless game. Its calming user interface and easy controls paired with ambient music and soft colors make it a very relaxing experience. Connect the lines into endless looping structures, a visual representation of bringing order to disorder, with puzzles that will help both improve your focus and brain power as you progress. A great way to kill time in the little nothing moments, like on the bus or waiting in line, and keep de-stressed.
