Are you a student or educator feeling stressed and burned out? There’s a secret weapon that can help you relax, focus, and improve your academic performance: meditation. And the best part is, there are many free meditation apps for students and educators.
In this EDU Blog, we will disclose 5 of our favorite free meditation apps for students and educators. We’ll also provide some tips on how to use meditation apps in the classroom.
See more free resources here if you are interested in enhancing your teaching career and education growth.
Check our customizable meditation timetable
Free meditation apps for students and educators: A mental health toolkit
1. Insight Timer
Insight Timer is one of the most popular and comprehensive meditation apps out there. It has over 180,000 guided meditations, music tracks, and podcasts from 17,000 educators and experts.
You can choose from various topics, such as stress relief, sleep, self-esteem, gratitude, and more. You can also join live events and community groups to connect with other meditators around the world. Insight Timer also tracks your progress and gives badges and milestones to motivate you.
2. Headspace
Headspace is another well-known and widely used meditation app. It offers hundreds of guided meditations, animations, articles, and videos on various themes, such as anxiety, productivity, happiness, and more. The app is highly reputable and reliable with over 70 millions members located in 190 countries worldwide.
You can also access courses on specific skills, such as focus, creativity, or resilience. Headspace also has a special section for students and educators, where you can find meditations and tips for studying, teaching, and learning.
Smiling Mind is a meditation app that was designed by psychologists and educators to promote mental wellbeing in young people. It has programs for different age groups and environments. The app is ranked top 1 in Apple Health & Wellbeing App 2018 – Australia and trúted by over 7.8 millions people.
You can also find meditations for specific situations, such as exams, sports, or relationships. Smiling Mind also has a curriculum for schools and workplaces, where you can learn how to integrate meditation into your daily life.
Aura is a meditation app that uses artificial intelligence to personalize your experience. It asks you how you are feeling each day and then suggests a short meditation (3 to 10 minutes) that matches your mood and needs.
You can also browse through thousands of meditations, stories, music, and sounds on various topics, such as anger, joy, confidence, and more. Aura also has a gratitude journal and a mood tracker to help you reflect on your emotions.
One of the best free meditation apps for students and educators is Mindfulness. It is an app that teaches you the basics of mindfulness and how to apply it to your daily life. It offers courses for beginners and intermediate users that cover topics such as breathing techniques, body scan, awareness exercises, and more.
You can also choose from various guided meditations that range from 3 to 30 minutes in length. Mindfulness also has a mood tracker feature that lets you record how you feel before and after each meditation session. Mindfulness is free for everyone.
These are just a few of the many free meditation apps available. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find an app that fits your needs and budget. So what are you waiting for? Start meditating today!
What are the benefits of mindfulness in the classroom?
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and openness. It can help students in many ways, including improving academic performance, reducing stress and anxiety, fostering social and emotional learning, and supporting creativity and innovation.
Mindfulness can be cultivated in the classroom through various activities, such as breathing exercises, body scans, guided meditations, mindful listening, mindful movement, and mindful art. Educators can also model mindfulness by being present, attentive, and compassionate with their students.
Tips for using meditation apps in the classroom
Here are some additional tips for using meditation apps in the classroom:
Start by introducing students to the basics of meditation. Explain what meditation is and how it can help them reduce stress, improve focus, and boost creativity.
Choose an app that is appropriate for the age and maturity level of your students.
Start with short meditation sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the length of time as students become more comfortable with meditation.
Make meditation fun and engaging. Use music, visuals, and stories to help students connect with the practice.
Encourage students to meditate outside of the classroom. This can be done at home, in the park, or even during a study break.
- Be patient and supportive. Meditation takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if students don’t get it right away.
To sum up…
Meditation is a powerful tool that can help students and educators reduce stress, improve focus, and boost creativity. There are many free meditation apps available, such as Insight Timer, Headspace, Smiling Mind, Aura, and Mindfulness. These apps can be used in the classroom to help students learn and grow.
With a little effort, meditation can be a great way to help students improve their mental and emotional health. So why not give it a try?
Join EDU Passport and connect with other educators who are interested in living a more mindful life. We offer support, resources, and inspiration to help you on your journey to a positive development in education.
