Mindfulness, Without the Overwhelm
A Short List for a Calmer Mind
Decision fatigue at the mindfulness app store is real— especially when you’re already anxious, tired, or just trying to take better care of your nervous system.
That’s why I’ve kept this list short. These are three mindfulness apps I actually recommend to clients—simple, supportive, and easy to start using right away.
Calm
Beautifully designed, incredibly soothing, and rich with features—guided meditations, bedtime stories (yes, read by the likes of LeVar Burton, Harry Styles, and Lupita Nyong’o), calming soundscapes, and gentle movement. I often recommend Calm for clients who need structured support winding down at night.
Pro tip: Calm is free through some health plans like Kaiser and UHC, and you can often use an HSA to cover it.
Headspace
Known for its clean interface and playful tone, Headspace does more than feel friendly—it’s backed by research, and the company has made real efforts toward inclusivity, accessibility, and representation (just take a peek at their board and leadership). Especially great for mindfulness beginners or anyone who wants to start small. Some insurance companies like Aetna partner with Headspace offering members free access to the app.
Insight Timer
This one’s my personal go-to. I love the filters—it makes it easy to find exactly what you’re needing in the moment, whether it’s grief support, body-based grounding, or a short morning reset. There’s a huge library of free meditations, talks, and courses, many led by teachers with lived experience or trauma-informed perspectives.
