Mindfulness is the practice of shifting awareness to the present moment, acknowledging thoughts, feelings, and situations without judgment.  I like to think of it as a “practice” because, though it may sound simple in theory, being mindful can actually take quite a bit of discipline in the midst of the fullness of our lives, and might take some time to feel comfortable.  Thankfully there are some awesome tools that can help guide us toward mindfulness, which can ultimately help improve stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, appetite, and concentration.  Here are a few of my favorite Mindfulness apps:

Meditation Oasis: Whether on their own- Simply Being, iSleep Easy, At Ease, and Relax & Rest- or purchased as a bundle, these apps are great in their simplicity and ability to be customized by length, music, and nature sounds.  They range in price from free (iSleep Easy Free) to $15.99 for the bundle.  Richard and Mary Maddux also offer an excellent variety of online tools to assist your mindfulness practice including a podcast- check them out at http://www.meditationoasis.com/about/.

Stop, Breath & Think: This might be my favorite- this app offers a check-in of body, mind, and emotions and offers meditations fitting for your responses ranging from those focused on “Joy” to those titled “Commonality of Suffering,” and is free to boot.  Meditations vary in time frame though most are fairly brief (10 minutes or less).  Guided meditations talk through body positioning, breathing, and centering awareness and are appropriate for all experience levels.

Headspace: This is an easy-to-navigate tool with fun graphics and many options for meditations after the initial 10 exercises are complete.  Headspace offers guidance around setting up a successful mindfulness practice, addressing topics such as posture and outside noises.  It’s free for the first 30 days, then costs $94.99 per year.

Smiling Mind: I appreciate that this app specifies meditations for various age groups beginning at age 7, and is also free.  Smiling Mind personalizes mindfulness tools for you by offering recommendations for meditation following a check-in, though general meditations are also available at any time.  The app is set up to take you through modules based on your setting- a classroom, workspace, individual/independent practice, brief sessions, and even one for those engaged in sport which incorporates mindful walking and movement.  Also of note, the makers of this app created a sister tool- Mind the Bump- designed for new and expectant parents.