By | Bojana Galic | www.livestrong.com
Whether you’re working remotely or in the office, separating work from play is becoming more and more difficult, especially since many of us have our company emails and chat channels synced to our personal phones. So, the idea of de-stressing with a cell phone probably sounds like an oxymoron.
But these anti-anxiety apps are here to prove you wrong. Geared towards helping you relax, these phone apps are a great way to address your emotions and lower your stress levels. While they aren’t a substitute for professional help, they make a great additional resource.
Still skeptical? All of these apps have a free version, too, so it’s easy to give them a go, risk-free. Read on to learn which app is best for your needs.
1. 7 Cups
Available on both iOS and Android, 7 Cups is a therapy app that connects people with listeners within the app’s virtual community. While the app does have a subscription version, even the free version offers listeners that are trained in peer support, which is why Aimee Daramus, PsyD, clinical psychologist and author of Understanding Bipolar Disorder: The Essential Family Guide likes 7 Cups so much.
“A lot of people have used this [app] when hotlines or other crisis resources are overwhelmed,” Daramus explains. “This app would be a great resource for people who have anxiety attacks, periods of depression or who are learning to manage strong emotions.”
When you use the app, you can search for a listener who specializes in relevant issues. Or, you can search for a specific listener if you enjoy speaking with them. You can even connect with multiple listeners at once to build your own supportive community.
