Here’s a collection of the apps I keep on my phone to maintain a semblance of calm, clarity, and focus amidst the daily chaos. They’re my secret weapons for staying balanced, even on the busiest of days.

1. Mettle
   For those days when I need more than mindfulness, Mettle steps in. Co-founded by Bear Grylls, this app isn’t just about getting physically stronger, but mentally tougher too. With personalised training plans, it’s ideal for anyone looking to build resilience and unlock their potential, whether in fitness or life.
2. Reveri
   Recently, I’ve been diving into self-hypnosis with Reveri. It’s a fascinating app created by Dr. David Spiegel at Stanford, and it offers short, guided sessions to improve focus, reduce stress, and even combat insomnia. A bit of science with your zen? Yes, please.
3. Insight Timer
   This app offers a massive library of free meditations and talks from mindfulness experts worldwide. I enjoy the community aspect; you can see how many people are meditating with you at any given moment—makes it feel a little less solitary.
4. Aura
   Tailored to my mood, Aura sends me daily, personalised mindfulness exercises, stories, and meditations. It’s a great mix of psychology, meditation, and life coaching, all packed into a sleek little app.
5. Smiling Mind
   An Australian app that’s beautifully designed and scientifically backed. I use it for its bite-sized meditation sessions designed to promote mindfulness and manage stress. Plus, it’s got programs specifically for workplaces, which is brilliant for team well-being.
6. Forest
   A cheeky productivity app disguised as a mindfulness tool. You plant a virtual tree whenever you need to focus, and it grows as long as you don’t use your phone. Perfect for when I need to crack down and avoid distractions.
7. Shine
   Think of Shine as your daily pep talk. It sends daily motivational texts and has audio exercises focusing on self-compassion, productivity, and resilience. I love the community vibes and the inclusive approach to well-being.
8. Waking Up
   Created by Sam Harris, this app goes beyond basic meditation. It offers deep dives into mindfulness, neuroscience, and philosophy. I’m a fan of its intellectual approach – perfect for those days when I want a bit more substance with my serenity.
9. Headspace
   A classic but still a favourite. With guided meditations ranging from 3 to 30 minutes, Headspace helps me reset wherever I am. Their daily ‘Mindful Moments’ are perfect when I need to ground myself quickly between meetings.
10. Calm
    From sleep stories to meditation and breathing exercises, Calm is a staple on my phone. I particularly love their ‘Daily Calm’ sessions – a great way to start or wind down the day with some perspective and serenity.

Each of these apps brings something unique to the table, and I find myself hopping between them depending on what the day throws at me. Give them a go, and let me know which ones resonate most with you!