I am going to try to post daily about an app or product that I feel helps out with my anxiety.
Today, we’re going to talk about one of my favorite apps: CALM!
I downloaded Calm on a whim one day when I was having VERY high anxiety. My new therapist had recommended it previously, saying that she thought I needed to give meditation I try. I was skeptical, but finally decided to take the plunge.
It gives you a free 7 day trial, and then for a year subscription it is $74. I know that number seems high, but GUYS, IT IS WORTH IT.
One thing I really like is that it has lessons that help in the long term, whereas most anxiety apps only focus on fixing the problem in the moment. Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that! Sometimes that’s we need, but Calm offers all those options. There is an “emergency calm” option if you’re in the midst of a freak out and don’t have a lot of time, but there are also specific options, like Dealing with Flight Anxiety, 21 Days of Calm, and 7 Days of Calming Anxiety, I find the 7 Days of Calming Anxiety to be incredibly helpful and informative. I noticed after doing it that my anxiety decreased drastically, and I’m actually considering repeating that particular section. The narrators voice is also SUPER soothing.
Another big thing I like, because I am a total insomniac, is the sleep stories! There are so many to choose from, and of course most of them are nonsense because they are supposed to be things you don’t really need to focus too hard on. My favorite, because I’m 5, is Sienna the Sleepy Sloth! And all the narrators have really relaxing voices also.
As far as the meditations, a lot of them DO focus on breathing and body scans, so if you are having strong physical symptoms, particularly if you feel like you can’t breathe, those may not be the best options, although personally I have found they help to regulate my breathing when I start getting on the verge of a hyperventilate lol.
GUYS SERIOUSLY GET THIS! It’s like having a therapist in your pocket at all times, and trust me when I tell you therapy is WAAAAAY more than $74 a year lol.