Meditation

Meditation is a great way to quiet a busy mind. The recent increase in meditation apps makes it easier than ever to start your practice and proceed at your own pace. Here are a few good starting points to try when you’re ready to dive in.

Headspace

My favorite! I’ve logged more than 1,000 sessions over the past few years and has used the app to clear my mind in the morning, before hard workouts, during pre-race routines, prior to stressful meetings or social engagements, and regularly to wind down at bedtime. The Headspace website has lots of great articles including this one on the benefits of meditation. You can try Headspace for free during a 10 day trial. There are stand alone options, and also a plethora of courses that run the gamut from dealing with job loss to sports performance to infertility to social anxiety. Headspace makes meditation accessible and relevant, and I highly recommend this as a starting point for anyone new to and curious about the benefits of mediation.

Insight timer

Insight Timer is a free app that features thousands of different meditations guided by a multitude of people covering endless topics such as deep sleep, anxiety, chakras, loving kindness, and healing. Insight Timer has a paid Member Plus program that unlocks hundreds of courses, playlists and other special features. If you like the ability to have various choices of teachers, Insight Timer is a great option.

calm

Calm was named Apple’s App of the Year in 2017 and has established itself as a trusted resource to helping people live happier and healthier lives. A variety of teachers are available, including a 5 part series guided by Lebron James. Calm has a free trial membership and offers monthly, yearly, and lifetime membership options.