The 5 Best Apps For Yoga and Meditation
These innovative apps for on-the-go yoga and meditation can help you stay fit and centered wherever you roam.
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Let’s be honest: We’re living in a world in which many people—and even the most mindful among us—are addicted to their screens. While there are certainly downsides to being glued to our devices at all times, arguably one of best parts of our digital-focused environment is the ability to take your yoga and meditation practice with you wherever you go, no studio required. These days, you can find a plethora of mindfulness or yoga apps that cater to exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a vigorous vinyasa practice, guided meditations, a mindful break from your day, or even gentle self-care reminders. The following mindfulness and yoga apps do all of that and more, with a promise to help improve your well-being and turn your phone or tablet into a place of solace.
The 5 best apps for yoga and meditation
Best for Pranayama: Breathwrk
No matter your mood or need, Breathwrk has a breathing exercise for you. Guided sessions last from 1 to 6 minutes, and you’re prompted to pair your breathing with a circle that continuously expands and condenses to ensure you’re making the most of each breath. Users can start each session by selecting from a range of ailments or concerns—from stress and anxiety to insomnia and ADHD. The app will then visually guide you, through the use of the circle, on how deep and slow to make your breaths in order to ease your symptoms. The effectiveness of Breathwrk’s practices is supported by research from Harvard Health, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, and more, so you can trust that you’re getting science-approved breathing practices to support your health and healing.
Download on the Apple App Store
Not available on Android
Free, breathwrk.com
Best for Yoga Classes: Mindbody
Want to take a yoga class but don’t have time to make it to a studio? Want a vigorous workout but chores are keeping you home? Mindbody has an enormous selection of yoga, Pilates, HIIT, dance classes, and more from teachers all around the world, and everything is on-demand. Plus, in an effort to support studios affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can directly sign up for live virtual classes hosted by your favorite participating studio.
Download on the Apple App Store
Download for Android on Google Play
Free to download, but class costs vary, mindbodyonline.com
Best for a Digital Detox: Moodrise
Do you too often find yourself doomscrolling through Facebook and Twitter? Moodrise has got you covered with curated content that’s designed to boost eight specific mood states (such as happiness, calm, connection, and gratification). Coined “digital nutrition,” the app presents various pictures and videos to you depending on which mood you’d like to improve, and the content triggers neurotransmitters to send serotonin, GABA, oxytocin, dopamine, and more to your brain. Instead of hoping for a good laugh on social media but instead falling down a mood-crushing rabbit hole, Moodrise ensures a safe space for emotional regulation and well-being.
Download on the Apple App Store
Download for Android on Google Play
Free, moodrise.co.
Best for Yoga Philosophy: Chopra Meditation & Well-Being
The Chopra app has your practice, and well-being, at the forefront. With access to articles on yogic wisdom, Ayurveda, meditation sessions, self-care tips, and more, this app has everything you need to take your practice off the mat and integrate it into your life. Experts such as Deepak Chopra, Roger Gabriel, Devi Brown, and more provide exclusive classes and content so you can deepen your practice, alongside access to Deepak’s and Oprah’s famed 21-Day Meditation Experiences.
Download on the Apple App Store
Not available for Android
Download for free and access a seven-day trial. In-app purchases, such as Chopra signature programs, vary in price. Full access is $69.99 annually, chopra.com.
Best for Self Care: Aloe Bud
If notifications on your phone or tablet are driving you up a wall, we know that creating even more visual and audible reminders can add to your anxiety. But with Aloe Bud, notifications are treated less as another item on your to-do list and more like a caring friend who is taking the time to check in on you. The app gently encourages you to drink more water, go for a walk, eat something, and other everyday activities that can improve your overall health and wellness. Plus, Aloe Bud also includes a “Reflect” setting, which offers brief journaling prompts to encourage writing—whether that’s celebrating a small victory or getting something off your chest.
Download on the Apple App Store
Not available for Android
Free to download, with premium in-app purchases ranging from $1.99 to $4.99, aloebud.com.
From: Yoga Journal
