There's no shortage of mindfulness and meditation apps these days, promising to help you combat anxiety, sleep better, hone your focus, and more. Each I would argue provides something which might suit you – the question is which – here are two which have been recommended by staff at Middlesex.
Buddhify (Mindfulness app)
Approx £5 for iPad, iPhone and Mac Also available for Android from the Google Play Store
Advertised as ‘Guided meditations for wherever you are!’
The central idea in buddhify is that you don’t have to find time for meditation, instead it comes to you. That is why all our meditations are categorised by what you’re doing or how you’re feeling. So you’ll find guided meditations for Walking, Stress & Difficult Emotion, Work Break, Going to Sleep, Waking Up and many many other different categories. Written and voiced by our range of hand-picked teachers, the sessions last from 4 minutes all the way through to 30 minutes.
Mindfulness and meditation has always been something that becomes even better when it is shared. That is why buddhify has some elements which are genuinely social and about other people. The first is that there are meditations which only work if you are with other people: With a Friend, With your Partner, and With Colleagues.
This has been well supported by many sources and has really positive reviews on the app store (as well as Jo Killingly!). Whilst not free it does not have annual costs – it is one off and offers session in manageable chunks for busy lifestyles. Maybe worth an investment if you (or your students) feel the need to enter a calmness and evade period when stress is overwhelming.
Check out this Youtube overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EAiOyBR_Ic
Headspace: Guided Meditation
Also available for Android from the Google Play Store
What this app offers:
- Hundreds of guided meditations on subjects like sleep, focus and exercise
- Everyday Headspace: daily meditations on a new topic each day
- 2-3 minute “mini meditations” for a quick mental reset “SOS” sessions for moments of panic, anxiety and stress
- Sleep Sounds to help you drift off
- Track your progress and time spent meditating
- Buddy up and add your friends to meditate with you
