11 Daily Tools To Improve Mental Health
Huddle
Huddle is a newly-released free mobile app that allows groups of strangers to video chat about problems they face. Standing video chat rooms are grouped by challenges or experiences. Think of it like digital, on-demand support groups. Want privacy? Huddle lets you pixelate your face to maintain some anonymity.
Headspace
Headspace is the go-to meditation app for millions of Americans. It’s been downloaded over 11 million times and pushed mediation farther into the mainstream. Headspace users choose from “packs” of sessions focusing on different mental health areas, like negative thoughts or stress. Sessions revolve around guided meditation courses focused on visualization, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. Packages cost $5.75 to $15/month.
Vent
The purpose of this mobile app is pretty clear (in the name), but the interface is surprisingly intricate. Vent functions like an anonymous twitter where people share inspiration, emotions, and struggles to their followers. The social element can be hard to figure out at first, and it takes some effort to find followers. However, the real value of vent lies in its incredibly open and supportive community of users. The app is entirely free, although users can opt to pay $3/year to remove ads.
Offtime
This free mobile app blocks access to distracting apps during certain times of the day. You can also block calls, texts, and other notifications on Android as well. Why is this important? According to their site:
“Mobile technology in particular has enabled the workplace to infiltrate our homes, and graft itself onto our very bodies. In turn, workplace stress, like unruly toilet paper stuck to one’s shoe, hitches a ride with you into your private life.”
Excellent analogy. We can roll with it. Offtime promises to help you focus at work, leave work in the workplace, and be more present in your daily activities.
Water Drink Reminder
According to their Google Play page, Water Drink Reminder is the top free health app in over 30 countries (I’m guessing hot ones?). Staying hydrated is directly tied to emotional well-being, so this app is definitely useful, even if it sounds silly. Water Drink Reminder tracks, records, and (you guessed it) reminds you to drink water throughout the day.
ACT Coach
Released by the department of veterans affairs, this mobile app is decidedly no-frills. It is however, one of the few ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) solutions out there. Based in empirical data and mindfulness tactics, ACT is gaining a lot of popularity as an effective therapy method. ACT coach provides exercises, logs, and value-definition modules for users. Note: although some use it otherwise, ACT Coach is intended for use in addition to face-to-face therapy, not as a standalone tool.
Shine Text
Shine text is a daily text service that offers inspiring and motivating texts every morning. Texts include wellness-related articles, motivational quotes, and inspiring notes. It’s a great way to start your day and 100% free.
T2 Mood Tracker
Another mobile app aimed towards the military, T2 Mood Tracker lets you track and monitor your moods over time. The app is bare bones (the military doesn’t seem to like fancy UX) but does its job quite well. Tracking your moods can be helpful to determine which external factors could be causing stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. You can also export your tracked moods over time into an Excel file or PDF.
Pacifica
Like a fancier version of T2, this app doesn’t only track your moods but also your current thoughts, goals, and mental health habits. Tracking each of these is helpful to make sure you’re not trapping yourself in negative streams of thought on a daily basis. Two especially useful features: the ability to create small challenges working toward larger goals and a tool to identify dangerous thought patterns and thinking traps. It’s pretty nice looking, really calming to use, and offers a lot of free content before upgrading ($5.99/month or $35.99/year).
Voice Diary
This is a great free app for those who like the concept of journaling, but don’t have the attention span to sit down and write everyday. It allows you to attach voice recordings, photos, and written notes to daily journal entries. If it feels silly speaking to a recording device, don’t knock it till you try it (hey — even astronauts do it).
Calm
A free online tool for meditation, mindfulness, and sleep. With a collection of guided meditations, nature scenes, and sleep stories (should submit my high school english essays), Calm.com can turn 10 minutes of doing nothing into what feels like the most productive part of your day. The “7 Days of Calm” program is free, and paid ($14/month or $60/year) options include programs on stress, sleep, anxiety, and much more.
Happify
Happify improves what they identify as five essential happiness skills — savor, thanks, aspire, give, and empathize. There are a series of tracks featuring small games and exercises specifically designed to build up each skill. The app is pretty heavy — there are a lot of moving parts, games, and content (although the free content is somewhat limited). Plans are $5 to $12 per month, and the games are fun and effective at their intent. It’s great if you’re the kind of person who spent too much time on Addicting Games as a kid.
