4 free meditation apps to give you a sense of calm

With so many apps to choose from, we’ve cut down some of our self care favourites.

BEST OVERALL: INSIGHT TIMER

Available on IOS and Android devices

Insight Timer really does have it all when it comes to helping with sleep, anxiety and stress. Home to the largest library of free guided meditation sessions – 130,000 to be exact – from some of the best teachers from around the world that you can search by theme, length and instructor. Several sessions are even led by meditation-loving celebs like Gisele Bündchen, Russel Brand and everyone’s favourite monk Thich Nhat Hanh.

BEST FOR BEGINNERS: HEADSPACE

Available on IOS and Android devices

If you’re wanting to give meditation a go before signing up to a monthly subscription, then Headspace is perfect for you. Try out a 14-day free trial to have access to hundreds of exercises across a range of topics, including stress, sleep and focus. few. Headspace aims to make meditation simple and over time it will help you unwind and find happiness in the little things in life – all you need, of course, is to be in the right headspace.

BEST FOR SHORT SESSIONS: AURA

Available on IOS and Android devices

If you always have a busy schedule and find it hard to take some time out for you, Aura will fit into your day with ease. With new personalised three-minute meditations every two hours daily, the app makes it easy to find peace anytime, anywhere. With guided stories and music options, this meditation app helps you to self reflect and it generates sessions based on your mood as well as sending reminders to practice mindfulness throughout the day.

BEST FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: SMILING MIND

Available on IOS and Android devices

Who doesn’t want to make their mind smile? Well, that’s exactly what will happen after using Smiling Mind. This not-for-profit app was developed by psychologists and educators to offer over 300 meditation and mindfulness exercises tailored for adults, teens and the little ones in your life. Learn meditation from scratch, discover what mindfulness is and how it works and explore each research-backed program by category (at work, for the whole family, for adults) or by themes (attention and concentration, sleep, stress, relationships).

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