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The benefits of meditating range from making you more focused and productive to increasing your happiness and strengthening your heart. In a busy and complicated world, these smart apps will help you make the most of being mindful for a more enriching experience.
1. FOR BEGINNERS
THE APP: 1 Giant Mind
WHAT IT DOES: Learning to meditate is easy with this free app that offers simple instructions created to teach you how to meditate. With a variable timer, video tutorials, and a troubleshooting resource, the three-level program is designed to cover all the basics in a few short sessions.
AVAILABLE ON: Google Play, iOS
2. FOR AN ALL-ROUND MINDFUL EXPERIENCE
THE APP: The Mindfulness App
WHAT IT DOES: Considered one of the most popular meditation apps out there, this app is suitable for everyone. It features 4 rejuvenating guided meditations led by mindfulness experts as well as 4 beautiful silent meditations with accompanying bells. On top of the programmed meditations that last for either 3, 5, 15 or 30 minutes, there’s also a custom option that can be set for any length.
AVAILABLE ON: Google Play, iOS
3. FOR KIDS
THE APP: Smiling Mind
WHAT IT DOES: A modern meditation tool specifically designed for young people, Smiling Mind offers free mindfulness-based meditations that are geared towards specific age groups, starting from the age of seven right through to young adults. The app provides action-based tools to guide children through Mindfulness Meditation practices in a simple and easy to use format.
AVAILABLE ON: Web, iOS
4. FOR BUSY PEOPLE
THE APP: Buddhify
WHAT IT DOES: Buddhify helps you relax and meditate even while you go about your daily business, whether you are traveling to work or exercising at the gym. After choosing from one of four different meditation styles and adjusting the on-screen text size, the app walks you through an audio and visual meditation session that is suited to where you are at the time.
AVAILABLE ON: iOS
5. FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
THE APP: Sleep Easily Meditation
WHAT IT DOES: The free app offers a guided meditation by TV presenter and author Shazzie aimed at relaxing every part of your body. Shazzie’s soothing voice helps you drift peacefully to into a state of relaxation that will send you to sleep in about 26 minutes or less.
AVAILABLE ON: Google Play, iOS
6. FOR WHEN ON THE GO
THE APP: Headspace
WHAT IT DOES: Designed for when you are on the go, this app provides 10-minute meditation sessions, with the first 10 days available free of charge. Taking a very personable approach, Headspace co-founder Andy Puddicombe talks you through the process with relatable instruction. There’s also handy animations with tips on how to sit and breathe.
AVAILABLE ON: Google Play, iOS, Amazon
7. FOR CHILLING OUT
THE APP: Calm
WHAT IT DOES: The easy-to-follow program comes complete with 7 guided meditation sessions from 2 to 30 minutes. For a truly relaxing experience, there are 10 beautiful nature scenes to choose from as well as 16 super chilled music tracks by meditation music master, Kip Mazuy.
AVAILABLE ON: Web, iOS
