Need a recharge, some time out, or just a moment to recalibrate? There’s an app for that, mama. Here are 5 of the best apps that will have you feeling good – because screen time doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.
By Mama Disrupt®
It used to be that getting a mental-health pick-me-up relied solely upon squeezing in a therapy appointment. Losing yourself in self-help books [who has the time?]. Or finding some quiet time to meditate [ever tried to do that with a three-year-old hanging off you, demanding a snack?].
Not anymore, mama. Check out our round-up of the best apps out there. So you can keep your happy levels in check anywhere. From the school drop-off, to the boardroom and the supermarket check-out queue.
You’re welcome, mama!
1. HAPPIFY
It’s like Spotify, but for your mental health. It’s built on the premise that being happy and seeing the positive in a situation is a skill to be learned.
After filling out an initial questionnaire, the free app determines your current “happiness score”. From there, Happify crafts a prescription of games and mind exercises, aimed to help you re-train your thought processes to more positive ones.
Its focus is on breaking negative and damaging mental habits and replacing them with new methods of approaching life’s trickier moments. According to their research, there are five essential skills required in order to achieve true happiness. The ability to savor, thank, aspire, give and empathise. And Happify swears that with the right training, even the most negative Nellie can do it.
2. HEADSPACE
If the idea of meditating is a bit of a pipe dream, thanks to having precisely zero time to do it, this is the app for you.
With guided meditations starting at just a couple of minutes, the app claims you can carry them out absolutely anywhere. From the traffic jam on the way to work. To the board meeting you currently find yourself in. To your spot refereeing the thirtieth argument between your kids for the morning.
Getting mentally fit should be treated just like training for a marathon. And for that reason, Headspace includes a function to track your progress, get rewards. Plus, to ensure you stay on track, it has the option to link up with a buddy, to keep you accountable.
3. STIGMA
One of the most common complaints of mamahood is how lonely it can be, raising bebes without a great deal of adult company. Stigma has set out to cure loneliness by connecting app users to each other for support.
Think of it as technology’s take on pen pals. Plus, the app allows you to join its support groups and forums, where you can speak openly about what’s on your mind with patient and understanding members. Use the journal function to record how you’re progressing, and then watch as Stigma plots your mood improvement.
4. SUPERBETTER
Any app that lets you choose your superhero name, and allows you to function under that identity is already a winner in our book.
Superbetter aims to help you bounce back from life’s challenges by presenting you with activities to build resilience and reduce anxiety.
By taking on the persona of the hero, you win points and gain power by ticking off the games and tasks presented to you each time you log on. It might be as simple as drinking a glass of water. Or as testing as speaking to someone who hasn’t been kind in the past.
5. EXPECTFUL
Described as a “prenatal vitamin for your mind”, Expectful focuses solely on the mental wellbeing of mothers.
After signing up (initially on a free trial then a paid subscription), mothers can choose from themes. These include physical relaxation, compassion, trusting your body, vulnerability and overcoming challenges. There is also a section of the website dedicated to pregnancy loss, including resources from charities.
