Seven apps to help you feel better instantly!

The secret to becoming calmer, happier and more rested could be closer to hand than you think…

It’s normal to feel a bit flat and emotional from time to time, with stress, lack of sleep and poor fitness all essential factors in determining your mood. Thanks to some genius apps, you can now get just the pick-me-up you need via your phone. So, whatever inspires you, there’s an option to suit – and sometimes it needn’t cost you a penny. Come on, let’s get appy!

LEARN CALMING TECHNIQUES

BREATHE2RELAX

Regulating your breathing can help you relax and feel calmer during periods of stress or anxiety. Breathe2Relax teaches you how to practise and improve your diaphragmatic breathing – or belly breathing – which activates your body’s relaxation response, lowering both the heart rate and blood pressure to help stabilise your mood. FREE, iOS AND ANDROID

WAKE UP REFRESHED

SLEEP CYCLE

This app uses your phone’s microphone to monitor your sleep cycle, gently rousing you when you’re in the lightest sleep phase (within a half-hour window defined by you) to leave you feeling more alert. You must sleep with your phone next to you (though you can put it in aeroplane mode) and it will produce graphs showing your sleep cycle the following day. FREE, iOS AND ANDROID

BE MORE POSITIVE

HAPPIFY

Ideal for those who would like to break the cycle of negative thoughts, this app uses techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and turns them into fun games to help lower stress and ease anxiety. It encourages you to replace feelings of worry and negativity with positive emotions, such as thankfulness and empathy. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face! FREE, iOS AND ANDROID

TRY MEDITATION

HEADSPACE

A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba are said to be fans, and during the initial coronavirus shutdown, this app was downloaded 1.5million times in April alone. It offers guided and non-guided meditation techniques and requires as little as five minutes of your day to help you focus, calm your nerves or get to sleep. Its mindfulness workouts cover topics such as battling cravings. FREE, iOS AND ANDROID

TRACK YOUR FITNESS

STRAVA

Millions of us took up running during the first lockdown, and whether you’re still at it or just starting out, this app will help you track your speed and distance, take part in challenges, and compete with friends. You can also use it to track other sports, such as cycling – and it’s compatible with the Apple Watch, allowing you to start, complete and log a fitness session from your wrist.

FREE, iOS AND ANDROID