During this time of stress and uncertainty, it does a person well to know the innovations and resources available to them to help them through. Although technology does not fully replace human-to-human interaction, there are many resources available to help make this time of social distancing, quarantining and self-isolation less lonely, less boring, and less mentally taxing. Here I have provided for you a list of apps, plug-in’s and machines that have helped many people across the world overcome these feelings.
Headspace
The first tool I would like to put forward is the app “Headspace”. Headspace was actually started as a meditation events company in 2010, but many of the attendees wanted to continue Headspace’s teachings in their day-to-day life. Fast forward a few years and now Headspace is a major meditation app that guides people through meditation practices that fit your lifestyle. Whether you only have a few moments during the day or a whole afternoon of free time, this app has a wide range of different guided meditations to offer for all levels of meditation experience. The app is also incredibly user friendly with a great interface that is both aesthetically pleasing and inviting to use. This app can be found on the app store or at Headspace.com.
Happy Not Perfect
“Happy Not Perfect” is the second app I would like to recommend for people who are searching for a mental health-related app to add to their routine. This mindfulness app was developed with the help of neuroscientists, psychologists, performance and breathing coaches, wellness innovators, and buddhist monks and offers lots of guided meditations, breathing exercises, brain games, and an interactive journaling feature. Happy Not Perfect bills itself as a “your go to place for everything you need to look after your mind in a new fun way” and is available at the App Store and Google Play.
Video Chat Apps
Feeling connected to other people during this time has been a continual challenge. Facetime and Zoom calls cannot fully make up for in-person connection, especially when one of the joys of being with other people is being able to do things with them, rather than staring at one another on a screen. In comes Netflix party. Although again, not a perfect substitute for times together, Netflix party is a great way to share the enjoyment of watching a movie with someone who is not physically with you. Netflix Party is a Google Plug-in that synchronizes your Netflix movie or TV show with friends and adds a group chat feature along the side so you can have movie nights or TV binges with your friends no matter where you or they are in the world. This is available at Netflixparty.com.
Therapy Lights
If you are unable to spend time outside, a therapy light may be the best option for combatting the “inside blues”. Whether it is because the weather is bad or you are in an area where being outside is not something that is feasible, being unable to spend time outside and give your body enough sunlight can severely alter your energy levels and mood. Light therapy is a great way to combat Seasonal Depression Disorder (SAD) or other conditions brought about by artificial light, says the Mayo Clinic. Sitting in front of a therapy light while doing work has been proven to help boost morale and aid in combating sleeping disorders. Thankfully buying a therapy light is incredibly easy and decently inexpensive, as major online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target all have a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your life and space.
