5 Apps That Will Improve Your Mental Health
Let's be honest- In today's world we are just an arm's reach from our cellphones. We often hear that spending too much time on our phones can have a negative mental impact. While this is true, there are so many benefits to modern technology. In today's blog we'll take a look at 5 smartphone apps that are devoted to improving your mental health. Use the drop- down arrows below to learn more about each of these apps!
1. MoodKit
This app incorporates principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), a type of therapy beneficial for numerous mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Like many mental health apps, MoodKit includes a daily mood tracker and a journal. But what makes this app unique is their Thought Checker. This feature allows you to identify negative thoughts you frequently have, and it suggests ways to challenge these thoughts in a positive way (much like a CBT therapist would do). The app also includes a list of activities that can help you cope with depression and anxiety.
Price: $4.99
2. I Am Sober
The purpose of this app is to help you reach and maintain sobriety. It allows you to track how many days you have been sober, make daily pledges to stay sober, and connect with people struggling with similar addictions. The coolest thing about this app? It's not just for drug or alcohol addiction. It allows you to focus on any addiction or negative habit you want to break (smoking, gambling, binge eating, self- harm... the list goes on and on!).
Price: free
3. I Am- Daily Affirmations
This app is a simple one, but the impact can be profound. Have you ever had a difficult day and felt like you needed a little boost? This app gives you daily positive affirmations that automatically pop up on your screen. You can also search through categories of positive affirmations to find something that applies to you each day. The app even allows you to share affirmations on social media so others can benefit from affirmations you find helpful!
Price: free
4. Fabulous- Daily Habit Tracker
One thing I consistently hear from my clients is that they feel their mental health would significantly improve if they could have a more positive daily routine. The Fabulous apps helps you set a daily routine and stick to it. It includes a journal, to- do list, and daily affirmations. It also gives you a goal- tracker so you can visualize your progress.
Price: free
5. Calm
If there's one "cliché" thing I recommend as a mental health provider, it's guided meditation... but that's because it works! Guided meditation can help you relax, and even improve your sleep. When I recommend guided meditation to my clients, 9 times out of 10 they tell me they were shocked that it actually worked! While the calm app is a little pricey, it has so many great features, such as master classes so you can improve your meditation skills. One of my favorite features is the "sleep stories"; they're so relaxing to fall asleep to.
Price: $14.99 per month after 7- day free trial