How are you feeling today? Bit under the weather? Bit down? Happy and ready for everything the day has to offer? All of the above? None? That's alright and, it's OK if you feel just one of those emotions, too. You're allowed to feel exactly how you do right at this very moment – we're not here to judge.
Should you seek some mental health help, these free apps are here to help you reconnect with yourself, address your fears, and tackle your anxieties.
Pacifica
Image Source: Pacifica
Pacifica seeks to reduce your stress levels, anxiety and negative thoughts through the use of various cognitive behavioral therapy – a form of psychotherapy that addresses issues and boosts your happiness by modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts – exercises. Pacifica is free to download on all Android and iOS devices.
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Talkspace
Image Source: Talkspace
While physical sessions should be your go-to when it comes to seeking advice and counselling, Talkspace provides a communication platform for those who someone to talk to, now. The way it works is fairly simple – you sign up, enter your thoughts or the way that you are currently feeling, and a licensed therapist will respond, accordingly. The first week is free, after that there's a subscription fee of AED180, per week.
Talkspace is free to download on all Android and iOS devices
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Daylio
Image Source: Daylio
Studies have found that journaling is great way to keep track of your mental health and, as such, reflect on why certain events made you feel a particular way. The exercise is greatly beneficial for those are looking to better understand their emotions and, create ways of better expressing them – which is where Daylio comes in. The app acts as a micro-journal, which tracks your daily input to create monthly carts, depicting when you felt certain emotions such as happiness and sadness.
Daylio is free to download on all Android and iOS devices.
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Happify
Image Source: Happify
The main purpose of the app is to make you feel "happier". It does so, by presenting you with a start-up test, which includes questions on how you deal with difficult situations, emotional triggers and your stress coping mechanisms. Once the test is done, you will be presented with a number of "gratitude" exercises – they are great, really, several breathing exercises, and an end result of a calmer mental state.
Happify is free to download on all Android and iOS devices.
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Happy Not Perfect
Image Source: Happy Not Perfect
Happy Not Perfect features over 200 mindful exercises, which aim to reduce stress and encourage a more positive mindset. Aside from exercises, the app features a micro-journal and the option of sharing affirmations with your friends.
Happy Not Perfect is free to download on all Android and iOS devices. However, a monthly fee of AED37 is required to unlock most of its features – we've used it, and in our opinion, it's worth it.
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Breathe2Relax
Image Source: Breathe2Relax
Breathe2Relax features a number of breathing exercises that aim to reduce your stress, anxiety and feelings of anger. The app's ability to just do that, has made it a favorite with leading mental health institution, the American Psychological Association – the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. The app's interface can be personalized to fit a pace that's ideal for you – ensuring that you are coping at a speed that is suitable to you.
Breathe2Relax is free to download on all Android and iOS devices.
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Insight Timer
Image Source: Insight Timer
If you're feeling like everything is a bit too much, let Insight Timer provide a temporary escape through its many meditation techniques and tips. If you're new to the world of mindful meditation, don't worry. The app caters to all levels of experience, i.e. beginner, intermediate and advanced. The app also features an in-built message board, which allows you to connect to fellow meditators from across the globe
Insight Timer is free to download on all Android and iOS devices.