Anxiety is a normal part of life, and finding the best anxiety apps can help a lot in fighting this common problem. As human beings, we are programmed to deal with anxiety regularly. For our prehistoric ancestors, anxiety served an important function: they ran faster when dangerous predators chased them. However, as human beings have evolved, the parts of the brain that handle anxiety and fear have been slow to catch up. Also, it’s not that difficult to find anxiety apps free of charge.
In the modern world, excessive anxiety is debilitating and keeps us from performing at our best. High-functioning people with anxiety are misunderstood, and part of the problem is misinformation. There are some things no one tells you about anxiety. Before we talk about anxiety apps, let’s explore some of the things experts don’t often tell us about anxiety.
1. Anxiety Isn’t a Choice
“Just chill out, already.” Unfortunately, people who don’t suffer from excessive anxiety find it challenging to understand that you can’t just “snap out of it.” In fact, a 2012 John Hopkins Children’s Center study found that anxiety disorder may be hereditary.
Don’t let anyone else’s impatience invalidate your feelings. Your feelings are yours, and they’re real.
2. People Experience Anxiety Differently
There are some anxiety common traits, but everyone experiences them differently. Anxiety disorders have many different symptoms.
- Uncontrollable worry
- Intense fear
- Restlessness
- Intrusive or racing thoughts
- Hives
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Physical pain
- Heart palpitations
- Memory problems
Solutions that work for one person will not necessarily work for someone else. When seeking treatment, it’s essential to take into account not only research but also your own unique journey.
3. Complementary Therapies Can Help with Anxiety
In addition to talk therapy, Mayo Clinic research indicates that mind-body techniques—in conjunction with professional help—can help with anxiety. Although nothing should replace medical treatment, there are things you can practice on your own to help with symptom relief:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Mindfulness
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Yoga
- Exercise
- Tai chi
4. The 14 Best Anxiety Apps
There are some genius anxiety apps you can use to track your anxiety, which will help you and your therapist more effectively identify your triggers.
Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular anxiety apps (free and paid) that can help you cope more efficiently. These aren’t listed in any specific order and we’ve not tried all of these anxiety apps, so we can’t say which one is the very best anxiety app. However, they’re highly recommended by two sources we trust: Healthline and VeryWellMind.
- Calm (iOS | Android)
- Colorfy (iOS | Android)
- Dare (iOS | Android)
- Nature Sounds Relax and Sleep (Android)
- Shine (iOS | Android)
- Breathwrk (iOS)
- AntiStress Anxiety Relief Game (iOS | Android)
- Anxiety Relief Hypnosis (Android)
- Insight Timer
- iBreathe Anxiety App (iOS)
- Tide (iOS | Android)
- Headspace Meditation App (iOS | Android)
- ACT Companion: Happiness Trap (iOS | Android)
- Moodnotes Anxiety App (iOS)
Check out any of these best anxiety apps to see if any will work with your needs. Above all, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking a break can help you.
5. You Can Teach Your Brain to Help You Relax (With and Without Anxiety Apps)
The human brain is remarkable, and while some parts of it haven’t evolved as quickly as we’d like, the brain’s ability to learn has progressed nicely. Very nicely.
Your brain is smart enough and cool enough to help you relax when you feel the anxiety start to creep up. With practice and training, your brain can work beautifully with your therapist and complementary therapies to give you relief from anxiety. Also, a good book on the subject will help you feel less alone.
A Pathway to Healing
Dealing with anxiety can be confusing. While efforts to treat anxiety on your own can sometimes help, but if your efforts aren’t working, it’s time to get help. We recommend reaching out to a health professional to explore your options. In the meantime, anxiety apps (free and paid both can be effective) can help you cope while you find professional help.
Featured image: whoislimos, Unsplash
