Whether you have trouble sleeping, need to be more mindful, or are simply looking for ways to manage your stress, you’re about to find the best apps to improve your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

So keep reading for the best 12 apps for stress and anxiety.

12 Apps for Stress and Anxiety

1. HEADSPACE

With more than 10 million downloads, Headspace is one of the most popular anxiety-relieving apps on this list.

This mighty app offers guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and breathing techniques to help you reduce stress and anxiety.

You’ll be encouraged to fall asleep with sleepcasts, sleep sounds, and soothing music.

If you’re a student, Headspace offers a massive 85% discount, and if you want to join their family plan, you can have up to six people in your group.

Do you have these meditation tools?

👉 14 Must-Have Meditation Products for Your Home

2. CALM

Calm is marketed as the #1 mental health app designed to help you manage stress, sleep better, and live a happier, healthier life.

If you’re struggling to sleep, Calm offers more than 250 Sleep Stories, soundscapes, and guided sleep meditations.

There are guided meditations, and you can also select from several beautiful, nature scenes to go along with your practice.

Plus, if you need immediate relief, there are quick 60-second breathing exercises to help your mind and body return to a state of relaxation.

3. TALKSPACE

When you need someone to talk to about your anxiety, Talkspace makes the process incredibly easy.

You can start messaging your therapist immediately via text, video, or voice anywhere, anytime.

If you don’t connect with your therapist, you can seamlessly switch at no cost to you.

What’s unique about other online therapy services is that Talkspace offers multiple different types of therapy like CBT, DBT, and humanistic therapy.

Plus, you can choose individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry.

Listen to these meditations for childhood trauma:

👉 22 Powerful Inner Child Healing Meditations (Guided and Unguided)

4. STOP PANIC & ANXIETY SELF-HELP

There are multiple aspects to Stop Panic and Anxiety Self-Help, all of which center on the importance of mindfulness.

There are CBT articles and follow-along audios, and the app also includes a cognitive diary section, where you can track your progress.

You can also read the articles and listen to the audios online at Excel at Life.

The audios work on Wi-Fi, but everything else can work without it.

The best part is that everything on the app is free!

5. WHAT’S UP?

What’s Up? is another great CBT app focusing on mindfulness. It’s straightforward but super effective.

There’s a lot of very useful information within this app. There are 4 main sections: Help Right Now, Coping Strategies, Information, and Personal. Each category is broken down into even smaller categories.

There’s a section on uplifting quotes, affirmations, and grounding techniques.

There is even a forum, where you can talk to other sufferers.

Probably my favorite part about this app is that it also focuses on depression, self-esteem, and even anger, so you can really get the most out of the app.

Speak these anxiety affirmations:

👉 85 Calming Affirmations for Relieving Anxiety and Panic Attacks

6. ANXIETY SOLUTION STRESS RELIEF

Anxiety Solution Stress Relief is a complete anxiety toolkit with breathing tools, meditation practices, sleep stories, calming music, articles, and mood tracking.

With over 70 anxiety-relieving practices proven by science, you’ll be on your way to improving your mood and calming your mind.

You’ll be able to create a personalized wellness routine and develop daily habits that will help spark positivity into your day.

This anxiety app is best at tracking and visualizing your mood and symptoms over time to monitor your progress, understand your triggers, and find out what works best for you.

7. BREETHE

Another app prioritizing better sleep and reduced stress is Breethe.

This highly-rated app features over 1700 guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mental wellbeing.

What makes Breethe unique is you’ll get to hear inspirational talks (and much more!) from leading experts in their field.

Plus, if you love nature sounds while you sleep, there are plenty to choose from!

More sleep meditations:

👉 10 Best Meditations for Sleep (That’ll Knock You Out Instantly)

8. SANVELLO

Sanvello has more than one million users, and it focuses on the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms.

Because this app focuses on self-care, you’ll be able to handpick the right healing journey for you.

You’ll also get to keep track of the specifics of how your day was.

There are entries for your thoughts, moods, and your goals. You can even set reminders on your phone to keep you on top of it.

A really cool thing about Sanvello is that you can join chat groups and communities to keep you motivated, as well as 1:1 coaching to keep your mental health goals on track.

9. INSIGHT TIMER

One of the most highly rated apps on this list, Insight Timer helps everyday wellbeing for anxiety, stress, and sleep.

This app offers a wide variety of guided meditations, music tracks, and talks from mindfulness experts to help users reduce stress and anxiety.

You’ll be able to create a wellbeing routine that works for you with the help of yoga, journaling, breathwork, affirmations, and more.

The best part? It’s free!

Use crystals to height your session:

👉 17 Best Crystals for Meditation (to Boost Your Session)

10. PANIC ATTACK HELP

Backed by science, Panic Attack Help features tools to help you in your current state of mind.

You can track your mood and compare it to before and after you completed the various mindfulness and meditation exercises.

I love that when you record all this information, you can look back and see what helped you and what you can do less of.

11. SMILING MIND

Smiling Mind offers guided meditations and mindfulness exercises for adults and children to help reduce stress and improve mental health.

Based in Australia, it’s a 100% not-for-profit app, so you know their goal is to 100% help someone like you.

Trusted by over 7.8 million people, you’ll start to see a massive difference in your stress and anxiety in just 10 minutes a day.

12. BLOCK! HEXA PUZZLE

This app might not to much to help manage your anxiety, but it could definitely take away some of the initial symptoms.

It’s a great way to distract yourself in times of high anxiety.

Block! Hexa is a puzzle game where you try to fit various hexagon pieces into a randomly shaped hexagram.

There are hundreds and hundreds of levels, and they only get harder as you go on.

I put this app on whenever my anxiety is getting too intense. It saved me from the brink of a panic attack time and time again. 

Best Apps for Stress and Anxiety:

Most apps for relieving stress and anxiety offer very similar features.

Finding one that fits you best usually comes down to the interface, how the meditations are presented, and the variety they provide.

💾 Bookmark this page for whenever you need recommendations for new anxiety and mindfulness apps to add to your phone.

More anxiety posts:

• 28 Incredibly Relatable Songs About Social Anxiety
• Spiritual Help for Anxiety: Overcome Anxiety with New Age Spirituality
• 17 Healing Crystals for Calming Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• 5 Ways to Cope with Anger Caused by Your Anxiety

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

Best Apps for Stress and Anxiety

The post 12 Best Apps for Relieving Stress and Anxiety (and Improving Mindfulness) appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

Do you wish you could clear brain fog instantly?

Your head feels fuzzy. You’re struggling with fatigue. You feel disoriented. 

Brain fog is most likely the culprit, and it’s so difficult to deal with.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is a condition characterized by complications with concentration, memory, and cognitive function.

Symptoms of brain fog:

🌫️ Difficulty concentrating

🌫️ Trouble remembering things

🌫️ Feeling mentally tired or fatigued

🌫️ Struggle with decision-making or problem-solving

Brain fog can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, but it’s often treatable once the underlying cause is identified.

What causes brain fog?

Brain fog can be caused by a variety of factors, including ⤵️

🧠 Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep can lead to fatigue, which can cause you to struggle to concentrate and think clearly.

🧠 Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can affect cognitive function and make it difficult to focus.

🧠 Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during menopause, can lead to brain fog.

🧠 Medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat depression and anxiety, can cause brain fog as a side effect.

🧠 Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, can lead to brain fog.

🧠 Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

🧠 Chronic fatigue syndrome: This is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest.

🧠 Chronic illness: Certain chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, can cause brain fog as a symptom.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing brain fog, because they can help determine any underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment.

And with all that said, here are 10 powerful ways to clear your brain fog — some almost instantly.

10 Ways to Treat Brain Fog Symptoms Quickly

Speaking of healing, have you downloaded your free inner child healing workbook yet? 👇

1. USE ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy and the benefits of essential oils lately.

When I started to incorporate them into my everyday routine, I started to feel more grounded, more confident, and more relaxed.

For example, peppermint oil has been found to improve cognitive performance and alertness in some studies.

Rosemary oil has also been shown to improve cognitive function in some individuals. 

Amazing blends for mental clarity ⤵️

🌿 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops rosemary, 3 drops pine needle

🌿 3 drops frankincense, 2 drops sweet orange, 2 drops cinnamon, 2 drops bergamot

🌿 3 drops sweet orange, 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops lemon

I recommend Plant Therapy essential oils, because they’re high quality, vegan, and cruelty-free!

BUY NOW

*While using essential oils, be sure to use them in a well-ventilated room and keep harmful ones away from pets, kids, and those who are pregnant.

More on essential oils:

👉 17 Essential Oils for PTSD (to Heal Anxiety and Depression)

2. MEDITATE

Since brain fog is often associated with stress and anxiety, meditation can be a helpful tool for reducing these symptoms of brain fog.

Benefits of meditating for brain fog ⤵️

🧘 Reduce stress

🧘 Improve mood

🧘 Increase feelings of relaxation

🧘 Reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system

The best part?

Meditation has been found to increase gray matter volume in certain areas of the brain that are associated with attention, memory, and emotional regulation — which can also help to improve cognitive function.

Record and keep track of your meditation sessions, duration, mindfulness, energy, thoughts, and tools in this Meditation Tracker Printable Pack! 👇

Use code MEDITATE to get 10% off your meditation trackers!

GET YOURS ON ETSY

More on meditation:

👉 22 Powerful Inner Child Healing Meditations (Guided and Unguided)

3. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Like meditation, mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment — all without judgment.

Benefits of mindfulness for brain fog ⤵️

🙏  Promote cognitive function

🙏  Increase attention span

🙏  Heighten memory

🙏 Improve decision-making skills

Listening to mindfulness audios on YouTube or Excel at Life can also help relax your mind so you can see the things causing you heaviness, pain, and worry.

Doing this helps you separate your mind chatter from your true thoughts and feelings.

It’s a really challenging process every time.

4. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Watching what you eat can help with fatigue and brain fog.

While incredibly delicious, eating lots of processed and junk food can really affect your productivity levels and how you feel.

I know when I eat like crap, I feel like crap.

Watching what you eat means:

✔️ Drinking lots of water

✔️ Eating plentiful fruit and veggies

✔️ Increasing your beans, nuts, and seeds consumption

Purple Carrot is a meal delivery kit that makes eating delicious whole foods much easier!

👉 Get $25 off your first order! 👈

5. GET IN NATURE

Nature is one of the best fog clearers.

It’s soothing. It’s refreshing. And it’s hella grounding.

Fun ways to get outside ⤵️

☀️ Go for a walk around your neighborhood

☀️ Ride a bike

☀️ Do yoga

☀️ Read a book

If I stay inside too long, I notice that I start to feel foggy.

That’s why I try to make an effort to spend a little bit of time outside each and every day, even if it’s only for a couple of minutes.

More ways nature heals:

👉 17 Weird Ways to Help Fight Your Depression (Without Medication)

6. RELEASE THE SHAME

When I’m struggling with depression and brain fog, the simplest tasks can feel like running a marathon with bricks tied to my ankles.

But remember, accomplishments help motivate us.

So, I’ve learned to put things into perspective and realize that the smallest things help us accomplish the bigger things.

A lot of times, I repeat an affirmation to myself to let go of any internalized shame.

Something like, “I can do hard things.”

The tiniest steps in the world will help get you moving.

Progress is still progress. No matter how big or small.

Here are more affirmations for shame:

👉 101 Affirmations for Shame (to Forgive and Accept Yourself)

7. WRITE LISTS

Writing out lists helps set your brain into organization mode.

Start off with a list that doesn’t include any task.

For example, create a list of your top 10 favorite movies.

Do a simple task

Then, when you’re ready, do a single task.

This could be something like making your bed or getting up to get a glass of water.

After that, create another simple list.

Then do another task, like putting the laundry in the washer.

And so on and so forth until you can perform more tasks.

At first, it might feel tedious and frustrating, but you’ll get the rhythm down and it’ll become easier.

8. TRY SOMETHING NEW AND FUN

Sometimes, brain fog can stem from the mundane.

Doing the same thing every day can put your brain on autopilot.

Trying something new could be just what the doctor ordered.

Some exciting activities to try ⤵️

🪁 Fly a kite

🪁 Go to an arcade

🪁 Sing karaoke

🪁 Go to an amusement park

Doing something that makes you feel alive will help you see through the fog.

Plus, life is meant to be lived. You’re not just meant to survive.

Need more fun ideas?

👉 101 Fun Things to Do When You’re Extremely Bored and Stuck at Home

9. ALLOW YOURSELF TO RELAX

Sometimes, we just have to give our brain the benefit of the doubt and practice lots of self-care.

Tell yourself you deserve to relax.

Awesome ways to relax ⤵️

🧖 Watch YouTube

🧖 Watch your favorite show on Netflix or Hulu

🧖 Take a bubble bath

🧖 Drink some hot tea

Here’s your reminder that self-care is not selfish.

Feeling guilty about taking the time you need to feel like yourself again will only slow down the process.

It’s so important to take some time every day to slow down and recharge.

10. GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

I know it might be incredibly difficult to sort through your thoughts to get to the root of your brain fog.

But gaining perspective on why you’re experiencing brain fog is super important.

Do Your Thoughts Keep You Feeling Foggy?

Talking to a therapist might help you break through your brain fog.

Did you know that there is online therapy?

Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.

Your therapy toolbox includes ⤵️

✅ Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist

✅ Activity plan, journal, and tests

✅ 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets

✅ Yoga and meditation videos

What I love about Online Therapy is you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to receive transformative CBT.

This means you never need to worry before getting help.

Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.

TRY ONLINE THERAPY NOW

More on therapy:

👉 5 Blaring Signs You Need to Seek Therapy

Treating Brain Fog Symptoms

Everybody deals with brain fog in their own way. No matter how you struggle with it, it sucks so much.

Practicing self-care, relaxing, and trying new activities are wonderful ways to lift brain fog.

Remember, your brain fog will pass. What you’re going through will not last forever.

💾 Bookmark this page for whenever you need a reminder of how to relieve your brain fog.

More posts to help brain fog:

• How to Motivate Yourself Every Day: 10 Fun Ways to Find Motivation Now
• 10 Self-Care Essentials for Managing Your Anxiety
• 7 Must-Haves for Coping with Depression
• 25 Relaxing Self-Care Ideas for a Bad Day
• 10 Ways to Treat Yourself for Absolutely No Money at All

Did you know that there is affordable online therapy?

Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.

Your therapy toolbox includes:

• Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
• 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
• Activity plan, journal, and tests
• Yoga and meditation videos

What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

This means you never need to worry before getting help.

Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.

TRY ONLINE THERAPY NOW

How to Clear Brain Fog Instantly

The post 10 Powerful Ways to Clear Brain Fog (Some Almost Instantly) appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

Practicing mindfulness is an incredible way to start your morning off on the right foot.

It’ll help you live in the moment, as well as be more patient, kind, and productive.

The Ultimate Spiritual Morning Meditation Routine

PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY

Avoiding social media, the news, and canceling out any negativities or distractions is the best way to start your morning meditation routine.

This means putting your phone away and not checking it. That means even your emails and texts!

Choosing to not be distracted by your phone helps you be more mindful stay in the present moment.

DIFFUSE SOME ESSENTIAL OILS

I highly recommend diffusing some essential oils as soon as you wake up.

This helps clear any energy in the room and help set the tone for your day.

MY FAVORITE ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS:

Mood Lifting

The combination of these oils helps uplift your mood. It’s good for happiness and to help motivate and energize you.

• 3 drops sweet orange
• 3 drops lemon
• 3 drops lime
• 3 drops grapefruit

Mental Clarity

This blend is so invigorating and helps you be more productive. All three oils smell so delicious together.

• 3 drops peppermint
• 3 drops rosemary
• 3 drops pine needle

Related post:

• 10 Best Essential Oil Recipes for Mental Health

PLAY POSITIVE MEDITATION MUSIC

Now it’s time to play some meditation music to help you dive deeper into mindfulness.

My boyfriend and I created a meditation music YouTube channel called Peaceful Awakening Meditations.

We have a fantastic, uplifting morning meditation that is designed to help you be more positive and release any internal struggles, mental blockages, and self-doubt. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMq5QXUCsqM&t=3s

With the light rainfall accompanying a koto (a traditional Japanese string instrument), this song will help balance any issues and imbalances with the lower three chakras — Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus chakras.

MEDITATE

Now is the perfect time to meditate.

There are so many ways to meditate. It’s truly a unique experience for everyone.

You can either sit or lay down, whichever you prefer. You can even stand if it’s more comfortable for you.

Close your eyes and either visualize nature, something you would like to manifest, or just a blank canvas.

Because it’s the morning, it’s best to have your palms facing up.  This helps carry the energy into your body and help vitalize you. 

If you’re having a hard time letting go of thoughts, repeat to yourself, “I am letting go” until your thoughts start to fade.

Related post:

• 10 Totally Free Guided Meditations for Anxiety

DO YOGA

I love practicing yoga as a form of my morning meditation.

Yoga is also an incredible way to get your body moving after sleep.

My Favorite Morning Yoga Poses

1. Cat-Cow is amazing for opening up any tight back muscles.

2. Downward Facing Dog is a standout pose for incorporating the entire body.

3. Tree Pose is so relaxing and grounding.

There are so many different types of yoga, and I’m sure you’ll find one that’s right for your mind and body.

One of my absolute favorite places to learn more about yoga poses, flows, and sequences is Yoga Download.

There are a countless selection of free yoga classes, from beginner all the way to advanced (as well as different lengths).

The best part is you can do yoga in the comfort of your own home.

USE CRYSTALS

Using crystals is a huge part of my spiritual morning meditation routine.

Some of the best crystals for starting your day are Lapis Lazuli, Clear Quartz, and Black Tourmaline. They help relieve stress and clear out any negativities clouding you. 

Depending on your situation and which method you prefer, crystals can be used for healing in so many different ways. 

How to Use Crystals:

1. Meditate: Hold them during meditation or hold them when you feel anxious, depressed, or stressed.

2. On Your Body: Carry them around with you in your pocket or purse. Wear them as a necklace or bracelet.

3. Surrounding Space: Place them around your home, especially on nightstands, window sills, desks, and by electronics. 

The main thing to note is to use crystals with intention. Crystals won’t work for you unless you allow them to.

More Crystal Posts:

• 12 Powerful Crystals for Self-Love and Confidence
• 10 Healing Crystals for Soothing Depression Symptoms
• 10 Powerful Healing Crystals for Anxiety Attacks

SAY POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

One of the best ways to overcome any obstacle you’re facing is by practicing positive affirmations.

Positive affirmations are always in the present tense, include positive words, and are spoken as a fact and the truth.

The most powerful affirmations are the ones that turn your negative thoughts into positive ones. 

Using the examples above, start saying: I AM healthy, I AM incredibly smart, My body IS beautiful.

You can say them to yourself internally or out loud. You can even write them down to reinforce them.

More on Affirmations:

• 100 Daily Self-Love & Self-Esteem Affirmations to Love Yourself Better
• 75 Empowering Affirmations for Success and Abundance

DRINK TEA

I love starting my day drinking hot tea.

Chamomile is my go-to tea.

I love drinking it in the morning to help calm my nervous system

. It helps level me out and helps set the mood for the rest of my day.

When I drink it, I notice I’m less irritable and more likely to be able to focus than when I don’t.

CHOOSE AN ORACLE CARD

I find shuffling and selecting an oracle card is vital to knowing my energy and focus of the day.

My Favorite Oracle Decks:

1. Work Your Light is the first oracle deck I ever purchased. It includes 44 artistically done cards that help invoke the light in your life.

2. Queen of the Moon is probably my most favorite oracle deck I have. The energy is strong, clear, and powerful.

3. Whispers of Love is an incredible oracle deck if you’re focusing on relationships and self-love. The artwork is breathtaking!

4. Conscious Spirit is a fantastic deck for figuring our with chakras are imbalanced, as well as your angels and spirit guides.

After I select the card of the day, I keep it out on my desk to be reminded throughout my day.

JOURNAL WHAT YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR

After I know the energy for my day, I’ll then go and journal everything I’m manifesting and everything I grateful for.

Practicing daily gratitude has been substantial in managing my mental health and attracting positive things into my life.

You can find an entire section of gratitude prompts in Anxiety Journal: Daily Prompts for Coping with Anxious Thoughts and Feelings.

Morning Meditation Routine

Everybody’s morning routine looks different.

Mine includes an ample amount of mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality.

Meditation and mindfulness are extremely beneficial for our mind, body, and our spirit.

It helps us relax, clear our mind, and release negative energy and unwanted thoughts. 

Having a morning meditation routine is vital to making the most out of your day.

What does your morning meditation routine look like? Please share in the comments!

More spiritual posts:

• 25 Spellbinding Witchy Subscription Boxes
• 15 Mind-Blowing Free YouTube Tarot Reading Channels
• Spiritual Help for Anxiety: Overcome Anxiety with New Age Spirituality
• 5 Deeply Spiritual Ways to Help Heal Depression
• 7 Spiritual Wellness Subscription Boxes (That are Vegan!)
• 12 Meditations for Severe Period Pain (and Other Menstrual Symptoms)
• 17 Best Crystals for Meditation (to Boost Your Session)

Did you know there’s online therapy?

Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.

Your therapy toolbox includes:

• • Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
  • 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
  • Activity plan, journal, and tests
  • Yoga and meditation videos

What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

This means you never need to worry before getting help.

Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.

TRY ONLINE THERAPY NOW

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

The post The Ultimate Spiritual Morning Meditation Routine appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

When I first started to dive into the idea of mindfulness, it brought a lot of anxiety.

I thought I wasn’t doing it right. I thought way too hard on being mindful that I wasn’t actually being mindful at all.

Learning Mindfulness

To learn more about mindfulness, I highly recommend checking out Excel at Life’s audios.

There’s a five-part Understanding Mindfulness free audio guide that I took when I was first started learning about mindfulness. To go along with that, there are 36 Mindfulness Exercises you can try.

Without their audios, I would’ve been completely lost when it comes to being mindful.

You should also check out my post for amazing apps you can download to help get you started.

Once you become acquainted with the concept of mindfulness, you can try these five simple practice ideas to being more mindful:

5 Simple Ideas to Practice Being More Mindful

1. WATCH HORROR MOVIES

I love movies, because you easily become mindful without even realizing.

If you’re completely engrossed in the film, you are soaking up the moment.

Horror movies take us out of our heads and place us into the minds of the characters.

What would you do if you were in so and so’s position? No! Don’t do that!

I especially love the movies that make your brain go back and forth between all the possible details and outcomes of the story. 

Finding out that there is a big twist is often what makes watching these movies so enjoyable.

If you’re just starting out with the horror genre, I recommend watching The Conjuring series. They have a lot of character development and backstory mixed into the horror elements.

Related post:

• Why Horror Movies Help Fight My Depression

2. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Music is one of the easiest ways to be mindful with very minimal effort.

You can either listen to your favorite song or a song you’ve never heard it before.

But look up the lyrics and become completely one with the music.

Pay attention to each and every word. Take notice of the way the instruments blend together.

A lot of the time, we do this without even realizing it.

By nature, humans are creative and auditory.

I’ve never met a single person who didn’t like music or listen to it on a daily basis.

If you’re struggling with mental health, you might enjoy and relate to some of my favorite musicians.

3. SPEND TIME OUTSIDE

Being in nature is my absolute favorite way to be more mindful.

There’s something about being outside that makes me feel at peace. It makes me feel at home.

Sit in the grass. Go for a walk. Get on your bike and ride. Hear the birds. Watch the clouds.

Let nature’s breeze make you feel alive.

I think the best time to practice mindfulness outside is in the spring. It’s not too hot. It’s not too cold.

Everything is just coming back to life.

Still, see how you feel during each season. Every season brings a new sensation.

4. READ A BOOK

Reading is a great way to experience mindfulness, because for a moment, you are completely soaked up in what you’re doing.

The characters, the setting, the storyline. All of it forces you to be completely in the moment.

I love feeling a physical book in my hands. I love feeling the pages run between my hands.

Feeling the texture of the book helps me stay attached to the words on the pages.

Plus, the smell of a new book is enough to send my senses soaring.

Try diving into all genres of books and see what is your favorite.

Remember, different types of books will give you different types of experiences.

Related post:

• Top 8 Self-Help and Personal Development Books You Must Read

5. DO YOGA

Yoga is a lot easier for me to experience mindfulness than any other type of exercise.

The flow of the movements, the strength of your body, the energy you feel all around you is so soothing and invigorating.

There are so many different types of yoga, and you definitely don’t need to be flexible to practice it.

If you’re just starting out, you can find a bunch of free workout videos on YouTube that you can follow along to.

My absolute favorite way to practice yoga is to do it outside. It’s a double whammy of mindfulness.

Being Mindful

Being mindful might feel complicated and frustrating at first.

You might feel like you’re not doing it right, or it might even cause you some stress and anxiety.

With the help of Excel at Life audios, I was able to learn the true meaning of mindfulness and put it into practice with the five examples above.

What are your favorite ways to practice being mindful? Give us some ideas in the comments below!

Related posts:

• 6 Apps for Relieving Anxiety and Improving Mindfulness
• 5 Breathing Techniques to Help You Fall Asleep Faster Tonight
• 10 Ways to Treat Yourself for Absolutely No Money at All

Did you know that there is online therapy?

Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.

Your therapy toolbox includes:

• Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
• 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
• Activity plan, journal, and tests
• Yoga and meditation videos

What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

This means you never need to worry before getting help.

Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.

TRY ONLINE THERAPY NOW

The post 5 Simple Ideas to Practice Being More Mindful appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.

Because Sundays are often a day for stress. 

Stressing about going into work the next day. Stressing about having to wake up early tomorrow. And stressing about how much you still have to do.

But Sundays are meant for relaxing as much as you can before the week ahead. 

This post features 10 relaxing self-care Sunday ideas that you should implement into your weekend routine.

But first, have you downloaded your free self-love journal prompts? ↓

10 Relaxing Self-Care Sunday Ideas

1. DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS

When it comes to coping with my stressful days, I love finding more holistic approaches.

Lately, I’ve been really into aromatherapy and the benefits of essential oils.

When I started to incorporate them into my Sunday routine, I started to feel more grounded, more confident, and more relaxed.

Different essential oils have been proven to give different benefits. 

The best part is you can mix them and blend the essential oils together in your diffuser. Doing this helps create even more benefits and even more amazing smells.

My Favorite Essential Oil Blends:

1. Mood Lifting: 3 drops sweet orange, 3 drops lemon, 3 drops lime, 3 drops grapefruit

2. Uplifting: 4 drops lemon, 3 drops tea tree, 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops lime

3. Positivity: 3 drops eucalyptus, 3 drops bergamot, 3 drops tangerine

I use ArtNaturals essential oils because they’re high quality, vegan and cruelty-free!

BUY ON AMAZON

2. UNPLUG YOUR PHONE

Spending some much needed time away from your phone is vital for your Sunday self-care routine.

Your phone is filled with distractions, as well as the common negatives of social media.

Being on your phone also stops you from being in the present moment.

You need time away from work emails, social media, and negative news stories.

Take the time away from your phone to ground yourself and recharge.

Related post:

• 5 Reasons Why You Should Stay Off Social Media

3. GET OUTSIDE

I might be biased here, but I truly believe that spending time in nature is a crucial element of Sunday self-care.

Nothing fills me with as much calm and peace as nature does.

Some of my favorite ways:

• lay in the grass and read a book
• do yoga in the sunlight
• go for a walk around the neighborhood
• ride your bike around town

The best part is spending time in nature is free.

Plus, you don’t have to plan for it.

You can literally just step outside your house and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of the outdoors.

4. READ A BOOK

Reading a book is the perfect way to relax during your Sunday.

Books put you in the present moment, and they take you away from mentally draining technology.

I freaking love reading Young Adult and personal development books. You’ll always find me in those sections of the library.

One of the best self-help books I’ve ever read is You Are a Badass. 

You have greatness inside of you, and you can start living an awesome life.

Jen Sincero teaches you all about how to stop doubting yourself. She teaches you that your limiting beliefs no longer serve you.

The best part is the book is funny, encouraging, and eye-opening.

BUY ON AMAZON

Related post:

• Top 8 Self-Help and Personal Development Books You Must Read

5. DRINK SOME TEA

Chamomile tea is my go-to tea.

I love drinking it in the morning and night to help calm my nerves.

It helps level me out and helps set the mood for the rest of my week.

I’m less irritable and more likely to be able to focus.

Because chamomile is so calming, it can also help you sleep.

So if you struggle with anxiety-induced nights, try drinking it a half hour before bed and see how you feel.

BUY ON AMAZON

Related post:

• Why You Should Drink Tea for Your Mental Health

6. DO A WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

I usually do one or two word search puzzles right before bed to wind down my day.

They help me silence my annoying, racing thoughts.

They’re so relaxing, and I’ve gotten to the point where I can complete one in under 5 minutes.

Do you think they have word search competitions? 

BUY ON AMAZON

7. SOLVE A SUDOKU PUZZLE

If I’m not doing a word search puzzle, I am doing a Sudoku puzzle.

They might seem intimidating, but I love the challenge!

You might even be thinking that you have to be some math wizard in order to complete them.

But all you gotta do is fill the grid so that every row and column contains the digits 1 to 9, without repeating any of the numbers.

BUY ON AMAZON

8. HAPPY PLAYLIST

The last music you should be listening to when you’re feeling sad and stressed that your weekend is over is sad music.

I know it’s tempting and you want to relate to something, but it just further sucks you into your unhappy spiral.

When I’m having a bad Sunday, I try to listen to more uplighting music.

I might feel annoyed at first, but by the time I’m done listening to one song, I start to feel the negativity lift off of me.

Some of My Favorite Songs:

1. Hand in My Pocket – Alanis Morrisette

2. If It Makes You Happy – Sheryl Crow

3. I Lived – OneRepublic

4. Fuckin Perfect – Pink

5. Good Day – Nappy Roots

If you want to hear more songs that help me, I talk about them in 10 Empowering Songs About Self-Acceptance.

What songs do you like listening to? Drop some suggestions in the comments below. I love learning new music!

9. COLORING BOOK

Coloring books are all the craze when it comes to trying to remedy some symptoms of anxiety and stress.

It’s easy to forget about your racing thoughts when you’re concentrating on coloring in the lines.

My aunt bought me this coloring book a couple of years back.

Just breathe into the designs in front of you and focus on staying in the lines.

In no time, you’ll start to feel yourself zone out and forget about the problems going on in your head.

BUY ON AMAZON

10. MEDITATE

Meditating is super beneficial for so many areas of your life.

I used to think I didn’t have the time to meditate.

Anytime I tried, I gave up because I thought my mind would never let me practice effectively anyways.

But having less anxiety and a more balanced mood is more than worth any time and commitment it takes. 

The Awesome Benefits:

1. Less anxiety and depression
2. Less stress and feelings of overwhelm
3. Learning to be mindful and stay in the moment longer
4. Increases feelings of happiness
5. Promotes positive mental health
6. Improves sleep
7. Reduces anger
8. Gives feelings of clarity and calm

If you want to learn how to meditate, check out 10 Totally Free Guided Meditations for Anxiety.

Plus, did you know that I have a free meditation YouTube channel named Peaceful Awakening Meditations?

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any new meditations!

HEAR ON YOUTUBE

Sunday Self-Care Ideas

Sundays can be an incredibly stressful day of the week.

You might even feel anxiety or depression going into the week ahead.

I hope these 10 self-care ideas for Sunday will help you as much as they’ve helped me.

What’s your favorite way to relax on Sundays? 

Did you know that there is online therapy?

Online Therapy is a complete online therapy toolbox.

Your therapy toolbox includes:

• Live video, voice, or text chat session with your therapist
• 8 easy-to-follow sections, including 25 worksheets
• Activity plan, journal, and tests
• Yoga and meditation videos

What I love about Online Therapy is that there are several life-changing options and therapists available, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

This means you never need to worry before getting help.

Get 20% off your first month with my exclusive link.

TRY ONLINE THERAPY NOW

The post 10 Relaxing Self-Care Sunday Ideas You Must Try appeared first on Okay Now Breathe.