A categorised list of free and paid resources
Mindfulness Practices:
- Insight Timer: A free app offering thousands of guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and breathing exercises. It includes specific meditations focused on stress relief and anxiety reduction.
- Smiling Mind: A free mindfulness app designed for both adults and children, offering guided mindfulness exercises that help manage stress and improve emotional wellbeing.
- UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center: Provides free guided meditation recordings and podcasts focused on mindfulness, available for download or streaming.
- Mindful.org: A website offering free articles, videos, and guided mindfulness meditations designed to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing.
- Human note! I am quite biased on the subject of mindfulness and as a life long Buddhist the only teachers I personally trust are those of the Thai Forest Sangha. I recognise that some would prefer a secular source.
Cognitive Behavioral Techniques:
- MoodGYM: A free online program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles that helps users identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to stress and anxiety.
- CBT Thought Diary: A free app that guides users through CBT techniques, helping them track and reframe negative thoughts and emotions. It’s designed to develop healthier thinking patterns and reduce stress.
- MindShift CBT: A free app that uses CBT strategies to help individuals manage anxiety and stress. It includes tools like thought journals, relaxation exercises, and goal-setting.
- Psychology Tools: Offers a range of free worksheets, guides, and information based on CBT techniques that can be used to manage anxiety, stress, and negative thought patterns.
- Getselfhelp.co.uk – This is a site with lots of CBT based information and tools. Much of the information is free and the tools are mostly need to be paid for. If CBT is a tool that works for you then there is a lot of useful technique here.
Physical Activity:
- Fitness Blender: A website offering free workout videos, ranging from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Regular exercise through these workouts can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Yoga with Adriene: A popular YouTube channel providing free yoga routines, including specific sessions aimed at reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Nike Training Club: A free app with a wide range of workout programs, from strength training to yoga, designed to help improve physical and mental resilience.
- HASfit: Free workout programs that include cardio, strength training, and yoga routines to help boost mood and alleviate stress through physical activity.
– note this list is AI generated and so exercise your own due diligence!