6 Apps to Help Relieve Stress While Waiting for Election Results
We’re waiting on pins and needles here at CREDO for the outcome of the election — and the lack of conclusive results has us on edge. If you’re like us, you’re glued to your phones and social media feeds with the distant hum of cable news in the background as you anxiously hold on for good news.
All of that uncertainty can be pretty stressful, especially on top of the challenges we are already facing every day. That’s why right now might be a good time to take a break from “doomscrolling,” put Twitter and Facebook aside, turn off the TV, and make some time to focus on relaxation and your mental health.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite apps on iOS and Android to help all of us consider our mental health, de-stress and become a bit more mindful while every vote is still being counted.
Headspace
Headspace is one of our favorite apps to help you cope with the stresses of our new normals of work, family, school, health, and of course, election results. Headspace teaches you the basics of meditation and offers a full library of courses and single session meditations that you can take anywhere. The company boasts a 40 million person user base and offers scientific claims (and an in-house science department) that its app can reduce stress, increase focus and improve sleep.
Headspace offers a two-week free trial, before a $69.99 yearly subscription or $12.99 per month, available on both Android and iOS.
Calm
If you have a little bit more experience with meditation, Calm might be the right choice for you. The app offers its popular “The Daily Calm,” a 10-minute meditation with a new mindful theme every day, as well as sleep stories and music, nature sounds, and meditation lessons.
Calm comes in a little less expensive than other meditation apps, but lacks some of the structure and options like Headspace. Calm offers a one-week free trial and costs $60 for a yearly subscription, available from the App Store or Google Play.
In addition, Calm is offering free mindfulness resources, like meditations, stories and music (web only) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Happify
Billed as the “single destination for effective, evidence-based solutions for better mental health to overcome negative thoughts, stress, and life’s challenges,” Happify uses evidence-based exercises and games developed by experts to help users take better control of their thoughts and feelings. The company claims 86% of frequent users get happier in two months, but we urge you to try it out for yourself.
The app is free to download but charges a fee to unlock additional features. Available in the App Store and Google Play.
Daily Yoga
If you’re looking to combine mindfulness and body movement, Daily Yoga may be a good choice for you. Designed for the beginner to the advanced, this “freemium” app (free to access many of its features, but includes in-app purchases) includes 200 yoga routines, 500 yoga poses and asanas, lots of guided meditation tracks and more.
Available in the App Store and Google Play.
MindShift
Designed by the Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia, MindShift is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and helps track anxiety disorders primarily for adolescents and young adults, but the app can be useful for everyone to learn coping strategies for anxiety, worry and panic. The app features a section called “chill out” that includes relaxation exercises and mindfulness strategies.
Available in the App Store and Google Play.
7-Minute Workout from the New York Times
If working out is your stress-reliever — but your gym is currently closed and you’re practicing social distancing (which we recommend) — there are a lot of workout apps available for your mobile device. While some apps require equipment and others charge a fee, the New York Times’ 7-minute workout “app” is free, scientifically proven and only needs you and common items in your home to take advantage of a short, but intense workout.
The app offers step-by-step instructions, illustrations of each body-weight exercise and a timer to guide you through one of two routines: the Scientific 7-Minute Workout and an Advanced 7-Minute Workout. The app is browser-based, so you can access it from virtually any device or desktop. Check them both out here.
Note: There’s no replacement for a health professional, for both your physical and mental health. If you feel you’re in need of help, please contact your mental health provider or your primary care physician.
