This time of year everyone is thinking about change. Either changing for the new year or changing the holiday stress we're feeling.
Either way, change is good.
But implementing real change in our lives isn't always easy. Adopting new habits and creating lasting change takes focus and support.
Without help many of us slip back into old patterns -- or resist creating change altogether.
The solution is to find a way to introduce change gently, incorporating it into our daily lives in a way that makes it as simple as possible, so by the time we realize we've made a significant change, it's already become comfortable.
Therapy and coaching help lots of us create change. But if you're looking for support off the couch, several apps can contribute to creating focus, stay mindful, meditate, and even reward you for meeting goals. I've listed some of my favorite stress relief apps here. Use them to introduce some small changes into your day and let the momentum carry you on to bigger and better things.
Worry Box-Anxiety Self-Help App
This app lets you put your worries away for safe keeping. Use the worry cognitive diary to help you determine how to cope with the worry. If it's controllable, you can list the steps you can take to manage the worry. If it's not controllable, select from the list of coping statements to help you think about it differently.
SAM App
SAM is a friendly app that offers a range of self-help methods for people who are serious about learning to manage their anxiety. It helps you notice anxiety and manage it with several simple tools.
Happier
This app includes a course for happiness, a gratitude journal and a large community of supporters ready to cheer you on to happiness. Get it totally free on your phone or online.
Coach.Me
Coach.me helps you reach your goals through coaching, community, and data to help you make daily progress on things that matter. On the most basic level, you add habits to your Coach.me dashboard and check in on them daily when you complete them. This basic accountability provides a surprisingly powerful incentive to keep you on track.
Track your progress toward goals with clarity using this coach-in-your-pocket style app.
Headspace
If you're new to meditation or mindfulness this is a great app to help you start. Using scientifically proven meditation and mindfulness techniques they'll show you how to train your mind for a healthier, happier, more enjoyable life.
Omvana
Omvana makes meditation fun, much easier, more effective, and powerful and puts you in particular states of mind to be more productive, focused, and creative. Use this app to help you relax, meditate, and sleep better.
Calm
Guided meditations to help you sleep, relax, and enjoy life. Relax with Calm, a simple mindfulness meditation app featured in the New York Times and LifeHacker, that will bring more clarity, joy, and peace of mind into your life, at work or at home.
Just a couples minutes practice every day can improve your life right away. Download a great app to relieve stress in your daily life starting now.