Breathe2Relax
iPhone – 4.5 stars with 286 ratings – Free Android – 4.1 stars with 246 ratings – Free
Your breathing has a profound effect on your body. You’ll know this fact to be true if you’ve ever taken deep breaths to calm yourself down when you were upset. That exercise can often make you feel more centered, and it’s proof that breathing is powerful.
The Breathe2Relax app uses guided breathing exercises to help reduce symptoms of an anxiety attack. If an attack is coming or the symptoms are unbearable, slip away into a quiet room, open your app, and let the worry and stress slip away with each breath.
Qi Gong Meditation Relaxation
Android – 4.2 stars with 757 ratings – Free
Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese health system that brings together posture, breathing, and the mind to reduce anxiety. This Android app connects users with a library of relaxation videos that contain instructions for relaxing and clearing the mind. The videos are created by Dr. Monica Frank, a psychologist with more than 20 years of experience. In addition to viewing Dr. Frank’s videos, you can read a variety of articles related to anxiety, meditation, and stress management.
Worry Box – Anxiety Self-Help
Android – 4.2 stars with 606 ratings – Free
Have you ever wished you could put all your worries in a box, leave them there, and walk away? The Worry Box app may let you do just that. The app functions a lot like a journal: Write down your thoughts, anxieties, and worries, and let the app help you think them through. It will ask questions, give specific anxiety-reducing help, and can even direct you to help you reduce your worries and anxiety. It is all password protected, so you can feel safe sharing the details of your stresses.
Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)
iPhone – 5 stars with 59 ratings – Free Android – 4.2 stars with 734 ratings – Free
The Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM) app from the University of the West of England can help you regain control of your anxiety and emotions. Tell the app how you’re feeling, how anxious you are, or how worried you are. Then let the app’s self-help features walk you through some calming or relaxation practices. If you want, you can connect with a social network of other SAM users. Don’t worry, the network isn’t connected to larger networks like Twitter or Facebook, so you won’t be putting your feelings on blast.
Relax & Rest Guided Meditations
iPhone – 4.5 stars with 524 ratings – $0.99 Android – 4.4 stars with 262 ratings – $0.99
While group meetings and discussions are always an option, some people find relaxation more easily on their own. This app lets you relax in the space of your own home or office with three guided meditations. Breath Awareness Guided Meditation (5 minutes), Deep Rested Guided Meditation (13 minutes), and Whole Body Guided Relaxation (24 minutes) are designed specifically to help you relax and sink into a peaceful meditation moment.
Acupressure: Heal Yourself
iPhone – 3 stars with 26 ratings – $1.99 Android – 4.2 stars with 224 ratings – $1.99
Acupressure is a natural healing strategy in which you target specific areas of the body in order to alleviate pain or unwanted symptoms. Acupressure can also increase blood flow, which can boost your mood and your health.
This app helps you find your body’s acupressure points. Apply pressure on those points when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and receive the positive, calming benefits.