If you have problems with stress or anxiety, try...
Deep-Breathing Guide: Calm
A good way to head off panic or anxiety is to take a few minutes and simply breathe. This website displays an animated graphic that guides you through taking deep, calming breaths.
For even better results, breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.
APP: The Mood Meter
This smartphone app helps you become more aware of your feelings and offers helpful suggestions for managing your emotions.
Who should use this? Anyone who wants to develop a better sense of their emotions can benefit from this app.
How does it work? After creating an account, you can plot your moods and track how your daily activities affect how you feel. The app is very visual and easy to use. Reminders can be set up to remind you to check in with yourself. The app offers strategies, quotes, and pictures to help you "shift" from one mood to another.
What does it cost? $.99 (on Google Play and the Apple App Store)
Headspace
Headspace, available online and as a smartphone app, offers guided meditations and breathing exercises designed to help you to reduce stress and anxiety.
Who should use this? Anyone who wants to learn how to manage their stress and is willing to try something new.
How does it work? Select a guided meditation and follow the instructions on screen.
What does it cost? Limited free guided meditations; pay $12 per month and up to unlock more options. Available at Headspace.com and from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
APP: Stop, Breathe, & Think
This smartphone app offers targeted mindfulness activities and guided meditations based on your current state of mind.
Who should use this? Anyone who wants to learn how to manage their stress and is willing to try something new.
How does it work? You can create an account, or simply "browse" the app to see what it offers.
What does it cost? Generous free guided meditation and mindfulness sessions; pay $10 per month and up to unlock more options. Available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
APP: Insight Timer
Finally, a meditation app with experienced meditators in mind as well as newbies. Insight Timer offers a wealth of free guided meditation sessions and inspirational videos, plus a terrific timer designed for meditators.
Who should use this? People who already meditate will be delighted; people who want to learn won't be talked down to.
How does it work? Create an account, then check out the icons at the bottom of the screen to access a wealth of options.
What does it cost? Generous free guided meditation and mindfulness sessions; varying prices to premium features. Available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Smiling Mind
This mindfulness tool, hailing from Australia, was originally designed for children but is accessible to everyone. Even professional athletes are using it. Smiling Mind is available online and as an iPhone or Android app.
Who should use this? Anyone
How does it work? Create an account, record your feelings in the online or mobile app, then choose a session. When you're done, record your feelings again. Sessions can be as short as 2 minutes or as long as 45 minutes. Smiling Mind tracks your sessions and creates a report that shows you which types of mindfulness worked best for you.
What does it cost? Free. Sign up for an account at the Smiling Mind website, or download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.