If the thought of traveling makes you feel anxious, there are ways to calm your nerves. Luckily, with technology these days, there are plenty of options for you to get your mind off anything that could be causing you to feel tense. The next time you step aboard any type of transport, be sure to download some apps that will make your life on the road a little less stressful.
1. Sadhguru App
The Sadhguru app was designed to help users focus. It offers free guided meditations, a collection of videos that contains everyday wisdom for greater life clarity, and exclusive offers such as Sadhguru's talks.
The free sections of the app are in the Popular Practices where you can select Yoga, Meditation, or Programs. In Yoga and Meditation, you can choose from various practices by adding yoga and meditation to your daily schedule with a timer. You can then set a time for your daily practice.
It is an app that is perfect for people who need to release some stress from their life, refocus, and relax. Whether you're waiting in your hotel room, about to board a plane, or sitting at a busy airport, the app will help you wind down. This app is free to download, but some content is premium which means you'll have to pay for additional extras.
Download: Sadhguru App for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
2. Waking Up: Guided Meditation
This app is not only designed to give you guided meditation sessions to help you calm down, but it is also filled with useful wisdom about training your brain, managing your time, and living a better life. This is an app that is perfect for stressful situations because it takes your mind off the things that could be bothering you.
Sam Harris, the voice behind the app, is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and author who explores meditation practice in a way that allows you to soak up each session at your own pace. The app also allows you to set a timer for your daily routine. If you're an anxious traveler, try the app for some insight, wisdom, and moments of peace.
Download: Waking Up for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
3. ASMR on YouTube
ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. In simple terms, it describes a sensation that some people feel which is similar to goosebumps or "tingles" across their skin when listening to certain sounds. ASMR has been used by psychologists and therapists as an aid for calming people's nerves. This is why it is perfect for when you find yourself in a stressful situation or if you are experiencing anxiety.
Not everyone gets ASMR but if you are one of the lucky ones to experience the sensation, YouTube has a huge community centered around it. There are all sorts of ASMRtists (artists who create ASMR) with assortments of sounds: gentle whispering, scratching, tapping, scraping, crinkling, soap cutting, and more. If you want to go one step further, you can also download some of the best ASMR apps for Android and iPhone.
If you don't have Wi-Fi and are wondering whether in-flight Wi-Fi is any good or a waste of money, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium if it's available in your location. Then, you can download videos offline on your devices before you go on a trip.
Download: YouTube for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
4. Spotify
Music is the best medicine for an anxious traveler. It sets the mood of your day, has the ability to lift you up, and can take your mind off a lot of things.
If you put a playlist together that consists of sounds that make you feel relaxed, you'll be set until you finish your trip and can settle your nerves. As Wi-Fi can be tricky to connect to, especially on a plane or in remote locations, be sure to download your playlist before you travel.
The popular streaming app Spotify does more than music, too. You can also find lots of great mindfulness and mental health audiobooks on Spotify that will keep you engaged on the road or during your flight.
Download: Spotify for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
5. Life: Meditation & Sleep Music
With a motto like "less stress, more sleep" this app is perfect for people who can't fall asleep on the road. When you're traveling, your body might be tense and your mind racing. That's why this app offers four different types of relaxing content.
You can choose from categories such as Meditation, Sleep Stories, Relax, and Sleep Therapy. Whatever you're in the mood for, the app can certainly help you unwind. It's easy to navigate, and most importantly, free, but it does feature a few ads along the way.
Download: Life Meditation & Sleep Music for Android (Free)
6. Calm
If you're in need of a meditation app to help you pause for a mindful moment on the go, the Calm app might be just the thing. The app is a meditation app designed to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep. Depending on what you're using it for, the app consists of scenic effects such as nature sounds, as well as meditation exercises.
The Calm app's set-up procedure will ask you what you would primarily like to use the app for. You'll be able to choose from various things such as improving sleep, reducing stress, increasing self-esteem, and more. If you don't sign up for the free trial, you can still close the window and access various scenes. However, you won't be able to access all of the app's features.
Download: Calm for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
Find a Stress-Management App to Make Travel Easier
Everyone experiences some kind of stress while on the road, which is why technology is here to help. No matter if you're anxious about flying or a stressed traveler in general, it's important to be prepared for what awaits you on your journey. Testing out different apps can really pay off, helping you enjoy a more relaxing experience and arrive at your destination ready to explore.