Many mindfulness apps have been developed as meditation aids. Others are geared toward helping us to stay more present throughout the day, using a periodic bell or reminder.
Most of them have a free-trial period. Some then require a subscription, while others provide enough free content to support your ongoing mindfulness practice.
In a study that evaluated mindfulness-based iPhone apps based on standardized criteria, these apps received the highest scores:
Many people at MIT use these meditation aids:
- Headspace: Beginner-friendly, well-liked, and has a free 10-day trial.
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Stop, Breathe, & Think: Designed to help you check in with how you're feeling and choose a mindfulness practice tuned to your emotions.
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Calm.com: Includes a seven-day free trial and multiple features, including a special bedtime-story option and Calm College content.
- Insight Meditation Timer: Free and has a huge variety of guided meditation options. It may take a bit of exploring to discover which meditations work for best you.
These apps specifically focus on mindfulness for anxiety:
- MindShift: Addresses test anxiety, perfectionism, and more.
- Unwinding Anxiety: Includes a four-day free trial and provides well-researched mindfulness tools for anxiety.
MIT alumnus Robert Plotkin ’93 provides updates and information about apps and the intersection of science, technology, and mindfulness at technologyformindfulness.com.
The resources and links listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement by MIT Medical.
