Be Mindful Of What's Good For You

Try out some tools for a more relaxed headspace

- James Lloyd

Mindfulness can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

NOTE: These apps are not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice. If you feel like you’re struggling with your mental health, contact your GP. You can also find tips for coping with the coronavirus outbreak at sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/04/10/covid-19-lockdown-and-your-mentalhealth/ (or call 0800 029 999).

What is mindfulness meditation?

All the apps highlighted here have one feature in common: mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness-based therapies have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, and prevent relapses of depression. Mindfulness meditation involves closing the eyes and allowing thoughts to come and go. It often involves focusing attention on the breath, or on the body. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts: the aim is rather to let thoughts pass through the mind, without latching onto them.

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5 MENTAL HEALTH APPS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

In late March, as the lockdown was just beginning, surveys in the UK and the US were already showing that the pandemic was negatively affecting people’s wellbeing. Thankfully, there are resources out there to help us. Mental health apps can provide one way to calm the mind and help you keep track of your well-being. Here are five of our favourites, all available on iOS and Android.

1. CALM