Say what you will about self-care, but it’s undeniably clear that the cherished practice became absolutely essential in 2018. While a long-standing practice in the wellness and mental health spheres, self-care has become a buzzword so mainstream this year that even big brands can’t help but take notice.
And when it comes to replacing mindless scrolling with mindful intention, apps focused on self-care (like AloeBud, one of our own favorites) seem to be onto something. Apple itself dedicated an entire category to self-care in their Best of 2018 list of the incredible apps and games that helped drive and define cultural trends in the last year. Below, Apple rounds up eight of the apps we collectively turned to for a digital dose of self-care in 2018.
10% Happier Meditation
A clear and simple approach to meditation with NY Times bestselling author, Dan Harris, and some of the most respected meditation teachers on the planet. The app includes quick daily videos and guided meditations that fit into your busy sched, plus a range of content curated for coping with anything from anxiety and political stress to straight up walking and falling asleep.
Check out 10% Happier Meditation.
#SelfCare
#SelfCare’s goal is simple: to help you feel better and return to your life refreshed and ready to face your stresses. The #SelfCare app lets you virtually decompress and pretend you’re chilling in (a millennial pink) bed all day. Personalize your own self-care sanctuary safe space and engage in relaxing activities like breathing exercises, tarot card pulls, plant watering and more.
Check out #SelfCare.
Calm
Breathe in, breathe out. Calm is one of the most popular apps for meditation and sleep, offering a range of guided meditations, Sleep stories, breathing programs, masterclasses, and relaxing music recommended by top psychologists, therapists, and mental health experts. Guided meditation sessions are available in durations of anywhere from three to twenty-five minutes, so you can choose the perfect length to fit with your schedule.
Check out Calm.
Fabulous – Motivate Me
Consider it your own personal coach and happiness trainer. Fabulous takes a holistic approach to motivate you to be more productive, increase energy levels and take your fitness and diet to a new level by using the integrated coaching feature: 7-minute scientific workouts, zen and vipassana meditation for breathing and mindfulness, happiness trainer, power nap sessions, and a beginner’s yoga pack for total flexibility.
Check out Fabulous – Motivate Me.
Headspace: Guided Meditation
The simple way to reframe stress, Headspace helps you get more from your day through mindfulness, be less distracted and reactive, and focus on the things that matter most to you. Train your mind with guided meditations on everything from managing stress and getting a better night’s rest, to focusing on healthy relationships. Plus, tap into SOS sessions to skilfully manage moments of panic or anxiety.
Check out Headspace.
Joyable
Personal coaching, made accessible. Joyable provides proven help, anytime, anywhere through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs designed to help you feel better. Built with the world’s leading experts, every user gets a trained coach – available by phone, text or email – to personalize the program and keep the motivation going.
Check out Joyable.
Mend: Self-Care for Breakups
Unlike your co-workers and well-intentioned BFFs, Mend will never get tired of hearing about your breakup. The female-founded self-care app is designed to guide you through your break up day by day, offering transformational support along the way. Including audio and guided journaling activities, you’ll have 24/7 access to a stream of advice, stories and interviews that will keep you motivated and inspired as you focus on rebuilding a life you love.
Check out Mend.
Shine
Life is complicated—self-care shouldn’t be. Each weekday, Shine sends you a positive message with bite-sized, research-backed advice to help you practice self-love, get motivated and realize you’re not alone in the #struggle.
Check out Shine.
