Photo courtesy Headspace

With study after study telling us that our stressful lifestyles are killing us, people have been turning to guided meditation and relaxation techniques to unwind. But gone are the days of the self-help book or the life coach. And let’s face it, some days are simply too busy for a trip to the local yoga studio. Luckily, you don’t need to go anywhere to de-stress: help is right on your phone. Check out some of these “serenity tech” apps the next time you need to take a mental pause.

Photo courtesy Headspace

First up is Headspace, the self-proclaimed “gym membership for your mind” and the #8 top grossing healthcare and fitness app. You can get Headspace on your phone or on your computer. Newbies start off with the “Take Ten” program, which offers 10-minute meditations once a day for ten days. If you like the program, subscribe to get in-depth advice on health, relationships, cooking, running, commuting and even SOS meditations for “meltdown moments.” Statistics, pairing with friends and getting rewarded for completing your tasks multiple ways in a row are ways they hook users on practicing mindfulness. (Android & Apple, free for trial, $12.95/month after).

Photo courtesy Buddhify

If you’re on a budget, Buddhify calls itself the “best value meditation app around,” and publications like The Guardian, Lifehacker, The London Times and The Sun seem to agree! For only $2.99, Google Play and iTunes users can access over 80 guided meditations designed for situations where you might be stressed, from travelling to working, hanging at home or going to sleep. Buddhify also offers charts and graphs, as well as multiple voices and tracks that range from just 5 minutes to up to 30 minutes. (Android & Apple, $2.99).

Many people have trouble adding positive lifestyle changes to their busy lives if they try to do it alone. Studies show those who are held accountable by friends or followers have more success. That’s where Insight Timer comes in. It’s a free app for Android and Apple devices that helps you time your meditation session, then if you wish tweet out your success for someone to notice, like or retweet. Just like all the studies on how telling a friend about your weight loss goals leads to greater success than keeping them to yourself, sharing your serenity can lead to a more diligent practice. Forbes writer Jordan Shapiro even originally discovered Insight Timer through a friend’s Twitter feed, showing that personal mediation has officially become a social activity. (Android & Apple, free).

Photo courtesy Insight Timer

Runners-Up:

If you’ve worked your way through the 3 apps above, first of all, congratulations! You’re a stress-free meditation king or queen! Second, try out Stop Breathe Think (Android & Apple, free) or Simply Being (Android $1.49, Apple $1.99) for meditation maintenance in stressful situations.

Namaste!