Posted on 8th January 2020

5 Apps that will help you deal with January Blues

For most of us, the end of the festive season means we’re back to our routine. The Christmas markets are all packed up, friends and family time is mostly over and we’ve got to get back to studying and working hard. 

If the thought of going back to the norm and not being able to chill out in your pyjamas all-day is making you feel low, you should know that you aren’t alone. Studies show that January is the most depressive month of the year, hence why the name January Blues. 

It’s not all bad news though as there are several ways of uplifting your mood. Alongside speaking to friends and family there are apps (some you may have heard of) to help balance your mood and set a better tone for January! 

 

 

1. Stress & Anxiety Companion 

This app is suggested by the NHS which reinforces that smartphones can help us deal with day to day anxiety and stress. With this app you can use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to manage daily stress and anxiety. Breathing exercises alongside calming music will help your mind focus on the moment. 

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stress-anxiety-companion-beautifully-designed-cbt-app/id786238252 

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.companionapps.anxietycompanion&hl=en_GB

 

2. Headspace

 

If your reason for not meditating is not having the time then Headspace is the app for you. Headspace allows you to download session offline which means you can listen to them without using your data. 

The great news with Headspace is that students get it free with a premium Spotify account! Check the link to see how you can benefit https://www.savethestudent.org/student-deals/fun-entertainment/free-headspace-app-for-students-with-spotify-premium.html

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/headspace-meditation-sleep/id493145008

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getsomeheadspace.android&hl=en_GB

 

3. Calm 

2017 app of the year will help with sleep as well as anxiety and stress. It is well known that sleep is a crucial part of healthy living. While we sleep our body repairs itself, increases the quality of life and supports brain function. With a healthy sleeping pattern, we’re more likely to start the day off right. 

Listening to calm before you go to sleep will relax your mind, this is not limited to just before bedtime as meditating before exam revision or essay writing will allow your mind to focus on your work. 

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calm/id571800810

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.calm.android&hl=en_GB

4. Buddhify: meditation on the go

Buddhify is a little different in layout to the apps mentioned above. The app uses a wheel divided into different parts of the day. The purpose of this is to help users easily find what they need. So, for instance, there’s a travelling section you can listen to on the way to your lectures. 

To make it easier to find sessions you enjoy there are 4 minute long ones. This means you don’t need to spend a lot of time to decide if it’s the one for you. 

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/buddhify-meditation-on-the-go/id687421118

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lvlup.buddhify&hl=en_GB

5. Insight Timer

Insight Timer doesn’t just cover anxiety and stress topics as there are also sessions on relationships and creativity. If you are someone who wants to meditate but don’t necessarily enjoy the usual stuff then Insight Timer may be a better option. 

The topics they cover may be more up your street, instead of forcing yourself to listen to something which in the end causes more stress, you can browse through the options on here. 

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/insight-timer-meditation-app/id337472899

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spotlightsix.zentimerlite2

Apps which help with emotions aren’t limited to the ones we’ve listed here. With the growing awareness of mental health more and more apps are being developed to fit into your busy schedule. 

Even taking a minimum of 10 minutes out of your day to relax and calm your mind will have an enormous benefit on your mental health. This is especially important as juggling studies and independent living is not plain sailing.