05/10/2025

ON SUNDAY October 5, 2025 VI theSunday Special

Inhale, exhale with these meditation apps

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BY AQILAH NAJWA JAMALUDDIN

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N the midst of business, chaos and tightly packed schedules, our en ergy can be drained and our minds RYHUZKHOPHG :KLOH D ÀHHWLQJ FKDW with someone nearby may offer momentary distraction, our minds are often yearning for something deeper. For those who frequently experience anxiety, mental fog or the sensation of being stuck in an unrelenting cycle, having D PHGLWDWLRQ DSS DW \RXU ¿QJHUWLSV FDQ genuinely help to bring clarity. Accessible DQ\WLPH DQG DQ\ZKHUH WKHVH DSSV R̆ HU D simple way to soothe and reset the mind. What exactly is a meditation app? As the name suggests, it is a digital space designed to guide you through mindful ness and awareness practices. The aim is simple, to help you disconnect from the noise of daily life, whenever and wherever you choose. The beauty of these apps is that no teacher or class is required. You can learn and practise techniques at your own pace, shaped around your needs and personal goals. M RVW DSSV R̆ HU IHDWXUHV WKDW UHSOLFDWH the intimacy of an in-person session, with soothing voices, calming visuals and step-by-step guidance. All you need to do is open your phone, follow the prompts and begin.

For those who prefer more structure, there are thoughtful classes and ses sions led by trained instructors, covering everything from breathwork to building FRQ¿GHQFH ,WV QHDWO\ RUJDQLVHG OLEUDU\ also makes it simple to dip in and out as your day demands. If you’re a beginner, Headspace is an app that delivers the calm confidence you need. s and ses s, covering

There’s something here for every one, from short daily meditations to sleep-focused stories, music therapy and thoughtful discussions that edge into philosophy. If traditional 20-minute SUDFWLFHV IHHO GDXQWLQJ &DOP R̆ HUV ELWH sized meditations as short as 90 seconds, perfect for a pause between meetings or a moment of clarity before bed. The app regularly checks in on your mood and many of the sessions offer practical, compassionate guidance for those navigating anxiety or low mood. Calm doesn’t just aim to relax you; it wants to help you feel better genuinely. The platform also highlights the tan JLEOH EHQH¿WV RI PLQGIXOQHVV ZLWK JHQWOH metrics, so you can track your journey without turning wellness into another task.

younger users step away from doom scrolling and screen fatigue. Sessions range from quick two-minute breathing techniques to longer, 45-minute meditations for deeper anxiety relief, so it suits every schedule and attention span; whether you’re squeezing in calm before the school run or winding down after work. What’s best, the app includes simple MRXUQDOLQJ IHDWXUHV WR KHOS XVHUV UHÀHFW track emotional patterns and gently un pack what’s been weighing on the mind throughout the week.

Healthy Minds Program Healthy Minds Programme is a free, no frills app built around four guiding pillars: Awareness, Connection, Insight and Purpose. It’s best suited to those who want a more in-depth and emotionally tailored approach to mindfulness, especially if you’re looking for something grounded in science. Upon signing up, you’ll complete a brief survey designed to gauge your emotional needs. From there, the app recommends VSHFL¿F FRXUVHV WKDW DOLJQ ZLWK ZKHUH \RX are mentally and emotionally. You can track your progress over time with mood check-ins that reflect your internal shifts. Each of the four core series moves between Practice and Learning sessions to unpack the psychology behind each theme. As you progress, the Explore page becomes your map for personal growth, DOORZLQJ \RX WR H[SORUH GL̆ HUHQW DUHDV DV your day demands. Whether it’s resilience, focus or simply slowing down, the app allows you to shape your own path, at Smiling Mind is a family-friendly medita tion app designed with both parents and younger users in mind. With hundreds RI JXLGHG PHGLWDWLRQV LW R̆ HUV D JHQWOH accessible way to introduce mindfulness to teens and children without feeling clinical or overly complex. Most of the programmes are built around everyday challenges such as improving sleep, sharpening focus and managing stress. There’s even a digital GHWR[ VHULHV VSHFL¿FDOO\ FUHDWHG WR KHOS your own pace. Smiling Mind

Sattva S DWWYD WDNHV D GL̆ HUHQW DSSURDFK EOHQG ing meditation with the familiar feel of social media. It’s live feed shows when others are meditating and what sessions they’re doing, letting you like, comment and stay connected globally. T KH DSS OHDQV LQWR JDPL¿FDWLRQ ZLWK badges, streaks and even a leaderboard, using gentle competition as motivation. It may sound counterintuitive, but for many, a nudge from a friend or the prospect of a colourful badge is all it takes to build consistency. You can sync your contacts on sign-up, making it easy to spot friends using the app and even reconnect with someone you hadn’t spoken to in years. Sattva may be less traditional, but it smartly turns tech habits into mindful momentum.

Headspace Headspace remains one of the original meditation apps to make a mark. What makes it so well-loved among users is its use of charming cartoon-style graphics that are warm and engaging without being overly vibrant. Inside, there’s a curated selection of guided meditations and practices de signed for every state of mind. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, struggling to sleep or simply craving a quiet moment, the app intuitively steers you towards what you need.

Calm Calm is a beautifully designed meditation app that works exceptionally well for EHJLQQHUV :LWK SOHQW\ RI ÀH[LELOLW\ DQG D wide range of content, it encourages you to explore what feels right without pressure or prescription.