Om Sweet Om: 4 Meditation Apps That Can Help You Relax Wherever You Are

Illustration: Brittany Molineux

Let us count all the ways meditation is so great: Just like when you exercise, physiological changes take place in your body when you meditate. Studies show that just eight weeks of meditation can increase density in the area of your brain responsible for executive function, which helps regulate emotions, holds information, and allows you to perform at your highest level. And meanwhile, the amygdala, the part of your brain that acts like a stress button, shrinks. It’s like going to the brain for your gym. But if you can’t get to the brain gym–or your quiet meditation retreat–never fear. Load these four apps on your smartphone so you can meditate wherever life takes you.

1) Buddhify
Comes with more than 80 guided meditations and a timer if you want to do your own meditation.

2) Calm
Provides sessions to meet any goal, like sleeping better, stressing less, or maintaining better focus.

3) Headspace
A 10-day free course leads you through 10 minutes a day. Connect with friends for support.

4) OMG! I Can Meditate
Pay to access more than 180 meditations, or try dozens of free ones.

Keep Reading:

• Meditate Your Way to Better Health
• Anatomy of a Healthy Fridge
• Reasons You’re Not Sleeping (And What You Can Do About Them)

from Simmer and Boil http://ift.tt/27GZBW3 via Continued