

Suffering panic attacks and breaking out into heavy sweats aren't the only signs of struggling with anxiety. I've realized that anxiety can also be that pain in the gut when we realize we're not in control of every aspect of our lives, or that overwhelming responsibility to take care of everyone around us, or the intriguing reason of why we've had one sleepless night after another.
While the idea of mental health in the Black community is no longer a topic that we keep to ourselves and only take to Jesus, are we really dealing with any potential anxiety within us? If you've ever faced a moment where you feel like your world is closing in and there's nothing you can do about it, these apps can not only help you acknowledge what area of your life is the most trying but can help ease the stress in the moment.
Sidebar:Even though these apps help you manage your anxiety, there's nothing like sitting down and talking out your issues with someone via therapy.
1.Pacifica
Pacifica
There's a reason this app is one of Apple's best mental health features to date. It's designed to help you monitor and analyze almost every major part of your life that can contribute to anxiety; from your health and habits, to your mood and how often you get to rest.
It kicks into high gear as it offers resources such as relaxation methods and mindfulness practices that can speak to your specific situation. I love that this one comes with an on-the-spot stress reliever in the form of audio exercises during those moments you're experiencing a panic attack, or just have time to spare and want to improve your mental health.
2.Headspace
Headspace
It's no secret that anxiety usually starts rearing its head with a small worry in our mind that eventually takes over our lives, even just for a moment. Headspace is an app that helps ease your mind with meditation and self-affirmations.
What I love about this one is that it's free for 10 days. Each day, you get 10 minutes of practices and exercises in meditation. If you love the app and actually see it making a positive impact on your anxiety habits, then you can subscribe for a monthly or yearly timeframe. The subscription offers even more meditation exercises to help you deal with issues ranging from anxiety to depression.
3.Worry Watch
Worry Watch
This app uses a five-step process that can show your worry you're not the one to play with.
Using these steps: record, reflect, reason, realize, and refute, it monitors the status of your mental state over a generous amount of time, so it can target habits and triggers that could be feeding your anxiety without your knowledge and permission. It lets you jot down what you believe is causing your stress, and then asks you to come back to the app and reflect on the moment you started worrying and how you reacted to it. It then develops a chart and analysis developed specifically for you to help you visually see how you respond to your triggers. And of course, it offers solutions.
4.Moods
School TV
What causes any issues of anxiety to flare up in your life? Whatever it is, and whether you know the answer or not, the Moods app helps you identify key things that trigger anxiety, because it's different for all of us. It gives you the option to write in your emotions and detail what happened before you started feeling an overwhelming amount of stress and frustration.
Once you realize what's causing you to feel these negative emotions, you can better assess whether you need to fight them or avoid any situations that cause them at all costs. But thankfully, this app is free.
5.Nature Sounds
Nature Sounds
One of the key factors of anxiety is not being able to sleep through the night. Whether it's because of fear of someone breaking in, or because we're already trying to figure out how we can get through our to-dos for the next day, it's not fun.
Thankfully, there are apps out there like Nature Sounds. It provides calm and soothing noises made to help your body relax. If you love the sound of rain while you sleep, that's an option, along with thunder, waterfalls, and even ocean waves. There is also a timer for it if you just need the sounds to help you get to sleep and don't want it to play all night.
6.Happify
Happify
Happify takes on a unique way to help those struggling with anxiety not only cope but manage it. It provides games that it says can help boost the level of your happiness while at the same time lowering your stress levels. It gets key information from you as soon as you log in for the first time that helps decide which options you need most when it comes to overcoming negative thinking and handling high-stress moments.
You then get to take a quiz every day that helps you see your progress. If you like a good challenge, this could definitely be a win for you. While this one is free to start, users can also download Happify Plus, which comes with even more options. That one is $11.67 a month.
Related Stories:
Five Easy Ways To Calm Your Anxiety Right Now - Read More
6 Ways To Overcome Anxiety In The Workplace - Read More
7 Proven Ways to Ease Your Financial Anxiety - Read More
10 Self-Affirmations To Start Your Day On The Right Note - Read More
Featured image by Getty Images
- 14 Amazing Apps For Anyone Living With Anxiety ›
- 5 Apps To Help You Cope With Anxiety | HuffPost Life ›
- 12 Free Apps to Help You Beat Stress | THIS WAY UP ›
- 15 Genius Apps Anyone With Anxiety Needs To Download ›
- Pacifica for Stress & Anxiety on the App Store ›
- 7 Apps Designed to Help Reduce Depression and Anxiety | Fortune ›
- The 10 Best Anxiety Relief Apps ›
- Best Anxiety Apps of 2018 ›
Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Having a morning routine is a crucial aspect of adulting, often setting the foundation for the rest of the day. Slow mornings, especially have gained popularity for its mindful approach to starting the day versus waking up frantic and in a rush. It appears our beloved creative, Issa Rae, is team slow mornings and shared her morning routine with It Takes a Village podcast.
The Insecure creator revealed that she was a part of the 4 AM club. After waking up, she dedicates an hour or hour and a half to exercise. Next, she prepares coffee and engages in what she calls her version of meditation.
"Coffee listening to news, sitting in the dark on the couch, sometimes I'll light a candle and sometimes journaling," she said. Waking up early and adopting a slow morning routine offer numerous benefits. Below, we delve into some of these advantages and provide guidance on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Waking Up Early
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Waking up at 4 AM might be too early for some, but waking up early overall has many benefits. As per Healthline, some of these advantages include improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, better skin, and the most evident benefit, accomplishing more tasks. If you begin work at 8 AM, consider waking up at 5 or 6 AM to dedicate time to your mental well-being before diving into the day's demands.
Exercising
There’s no better way to boost endorphins than through exercise. Starting your day with exercise can have a positive impact on your mood, which can, in turn, influence the rest of your day.
One advantage of going to the gym early is fewer people, so you don't have to wait to use your favorite machine. If you prefer at-home workouts, you can turn on a 30 minute workout video from a fitness trainer on YouTube or finally use the walking pad that's been stashed away in the corner.
Meditation
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Meditating involves sitting in silence (unless you're listening to a guided meditation) and being one with yourself. While Issa mentioned enjoying her meditation with coffee and a candle, you can create your own peaceful atmosphere. This could involve lighting sage, sitting with crystals, or using essential oils.
Regardless of the time you have, whether it’s 30 minutes or just five, incorporating meditation into your morning routine can help you begin your day with a tranquil mindset.
Journaling
Journaling can be done anytime of the day, but starting your day with it in the morning can provide clarity. There are several types of journaling that can be beneficial morning practices.
Dream journaling involves writing about your dreams the night before to gain transparency about them. Gratitude journaling involves writing about things you’re grateful for, while mindful journaling allows you to express your thoughts and feelings.
All of these practices can contribute to a successful day. By consistently practicing them, you may notice positive changes in your attitude and overall well-being.
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