So here's the thing about meditation. It's hard. At least, it is for me. Sitting still while observing my thoughts just doesn't feel that productive, which I guess is the point. I could use a little help — and maybe you could too. These meditation apps for millennials are designed with you and me in mind so we can both have an easier reaching that coveted zen state everyone keeps talking about. And, because millennials are reportedly the most stressed generation is history, we actually really need it.
While meditation is an ancient practice dating back more than 5,000 years, and many people are turning to it to detox from digital distractions, the irony that I am touting meditation apps as a way to unplug is not lost on me. Despite this contradiction, the advent of meditation apps is pretty genius, and honestly it's probably one of the only ways I am going to meditate.
If you're like me, you don't have tons of time to devote to centering your chi. Some of these apps have meditations that are as short as five minutes. Yes, in as little as five minutes a day meditation can help you reduce anxiety, boost your immune system, improve your sleeps, and make you an all-around happier person. Sounds pretty great, right?
Download these seven apps to make meditation a part of your daily routine.
1Meditation Studio
Meditation Studio, named one of Apple’s top 10 apps of the year and one of Time magazine’s best apps of 2016, just launched a new collection of meditations called the Quarterlife collection. It's designed specifically for people in their 20s, and rooted in the belief that small shifts in your everyday life can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing.
These meditations were created to offer you comfort while you navigate the initial complications you face in early adulthood, you know when you have that mid-20s meltdown. The meditations have titles like “Feeling Alive,” “Leaving Your Comfort Zone,” “Lighten Up,” “The Art of Listening,” and more.
2Simple Habit
Simple Habit is the meditation app that even the busiest, most impatient person has time for. The meditations are no longer than five minutes. That's less time than you spend doing almost anything.
Simple Habit, designed by Harvard psychologists and meditation experts, is personalized for all kinds of life situations. From before going to work in the morning or preparing for a difficult conversation, to dealing with PMS. Created by former investment banker Yunha Kim, who was so stressed while founding her first start up that she turned to meditation, Simple Habit is a truly simple way to start meditating.
3Headspace
You've likely heard of Headspace. This one has been around for a few years, and it delivers your meditations to you in a soothing British accent. Millennial moguls tout this app as the secret to their success.
If you think meditation is too new age-y for you, Headspace might change your mind. The meditations cover everything from falling asleep to, depression and anxiety, and everything in between, and it doesn't feel new age-y at all. Maybe because everything feels more legit with a British accent.
4QuietKit
QuietKit offers free guided meditations for beginners in increments from two to 10 minutes. If you're new to meditation, this is the app for you. QuietKit explains the basics about how to get the most out of meditation.
If you don't like to commit, QuietKit doesn't require you to install an app. You can listen to the meditations for free directly from the website.
5Stop, Breathe & Think
Stop, Breathe & Think is a free meditation app that does just what its name implies. It asks you to stop what you are doing, check in with what you are thinking, and assess how you are feeling.
Next, it helps you practice mindful breathing to create space between your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Finally it helps you learn to broaden your perspective, and strengthen your force field of peace and calm by practicing one of the five-minute meditations, which all sounds pretty great to me.
6Calm
Calm is extremely zen. This app offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep meditations, and relaxing nature scenes and sounds that you can access anywhere.
Additionally, Calm is bringing back bedtime stories, but for adults, with tales read by well known voices to help you unwind and fall into a deep sleep. Yes, please!
7Buddhify
Buddhify is touted as the best meditation app for the busiest people. If you literally don't have time to stop and meditate for five minutes (that's another topic altogether) this app allows you to meditate while also completing other tasks. This "meditation app for modern life" has more than 80 different meditation options, so you're sure to find one for every activity.
With so many great meditation app options, there's really no excuse not to try meditation. After all, who doesn't want to feel less stressed?
