Everyone, especially out teams, needs a little time out. #WorldMeditationDay is an awareness day dedicated for that purposes.
Meditation is not restricted to the super-spiritual guru or devout worshipper. Meditation is readily available to everyone, and there are different techniques that may be better suited to your habits, schedule, character and the best thing is most of these practices can be free.
My greatest encouragement is if Po (Jack Black) in Kung Fu Panda can find his inner peace in his chaotic world then there is still hope for me. Even in the world of animation, the goal is the same for everyone – to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
The joy of technology is the ability to have help close at hand. With a smartphone in one hand and the world of work is at our fingertips can also be the source of your wellbeing and gateway to meditation. So I went to the various app stores and had a look at some tools to help us along the way.
Mindfulness Meditation for all
Smiling Mindapple is free on Apple Store and Google Play this not for profit web and the app-based programme was developed by psychologists in the hope that these skills will equip young and “older” with the integral skills they need to thrive in life. Mindfulness to them is the practice of the daily practices of wellness, including regular exercise, sleeping enough, and a healthy diet. For as little as 10-minutes a day you can find a programme to suit you and even groups at work or in the classroom.
Focused or Concentration Meditation
Zoom your mind away from the screen and in on a particular object, thought, or activity. Something like a singular object to train attention and awareness, and not allow your mind to wander to other thoughts.
With a mission to make the world happier and healthier, I cannot argue with Calm. From 3 minutes to 25 minutes you can enjoy guided sessions and a plethora of sleep sounds, nature sounds, and breathing exercises. Choose your focus. That’s what it is all about. They were literally nominated as “The Happiest App” and Apple’s “BEST OF 2018” award winner.
So where do I start?
Other examples and methods to meditate are available to help you kick-start this soothing ritual. It’s extremely difficult for a beginner or me to sit for hours and think of nothing or have an empty mind.
The simplest way to begin meditating is by focusing on the breath — an example of one of the most common approaches to meditation and setting realistic goals.
It all starts with a habit, Simple Habit has shorter five-minute meditations delivered by top meditation experts at Google and even former monks for those who enjoy a challenge. The ease of this app is based on those that prefer guiding, coaching and motivational help. There are even bedtime stories. This is a great start to get a quick fix on-the-go. Super easy and also free on Apple Store and Google Play.
With the impact of lockdown regulations and social distancing in 2020, many paradigms have been shifted and some completely disrupted.
If you have reached the pinnacle of stress and anxiety and you’re looking for the epitome of mediations apps then Insight Timer allows you the freedom to select your preferred style, duration or just monitor your meditation at will. The best part is the tracker and progress chart that encourages you to keep up the great job! Go to or Google Play. And did I mention, that Russell Brand is sharing his secret to Finding Calm and Serenity? And it’s free.
As Janet Jackson put it: “Sometime’s the best things in life are free.”
Stress and burnout are obvious factors that affect your wellbeing. Some doctors say it is the cause of additional illness based on fears and factors that are not within our control. Ensure you are taking care of yourself in this vulnerable time. Stay in tune with your stress levels, check in with a medical professional and take steps to stay mentally and physically healthy.
I hope you found this blog helpful, please reach out to let us know, we are all about technology solutions that make our world better.
by Angela Ho