For some of us it's been a few days, for some of us it's been a couple of weeks, but we can definitely say that it has been a stressful time for all, in some way, shape, or form. I KNOW we aren't the only ones that have been bombarded by all things COVID-19
headlines | breaking news | death tolls | timeline personal narratives of battling the virus.
We want to be informed and stay up-to-date, but we also find ourselves on our phones for hours, scrolling through things that emotionally affects us, even if we don't feel it right away. We're constantly watching and reading and barely processing. Have you read a story about how harsh the symptoms can be and fear that you may have those symptoms yourself? Is it COVID-19 or is it because of the high pollen count that I'm sneezing every 10 minutes? Will one of my family members die? Will I die? Will this ever end?
For a lot of us, our bodies are reacting to this overwhelming....unknown. Stress, anxiety, sadness, grief. It's so easy to get caught in the "dark hole" of social media or television. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but it's also better to use your phone for the GOOD.
Yes, technology can also be a good thing! Haven't you heard? Even though we are lonely, we can video-chat family members, call a friend (yes, our phone can still make phone calls), play fun music, watch a funny video, and remind us to BREATHE!).
So, we wanted to give you a short but helpful list of some of our favorite phone apps that help us take time to semi-unplug, by using guided meditations, relaxing activities, wise reflections, and calming music. We also included two podcasts, which are a great way to use your phone without having to physically look at the screen.
We hope this helps you find the goodness within in the middle of all the bad.
Most of these phone apps are in Spanish or have Spanish versions. Some may only be in English, but can be easy to navigate for those who may have minimal English skills. All are free to download but some may require in-app purchases. Most apps. are child & youth friendly.
Podcasts
Latinx Therapy: https://latinxtherapy.com/podcast/
Con Todo: Brown Love
"A weekly show that celebrates the multi-faceted US Latinx experience. Each week, our host Dascha Polanco talks to Latinxs in Hollywood who are making space for Latinx communities to see themselves, and gets real on topics like machismo, Afro-Latinidad, self-care, comedy, and the first-generation experience."
Phone Apps. Only in Spanish
AtentaMente: "Conoce y entrena tu mente y tus emociones a través de estas herramientas para meditar, diseñadas por un grupo de especialistas en atención y habilidades socioemocionales. Cultiva hábitos mentales y emocionales saludables que contribuyan a tu bienestar, calma y claridad necesaria para alcanzar tus metas, tomar mejores decisiones y relacionarte de forma adecuada con tu entorno. ¡No esperes más para aprender a meditar e incorporar esta práctica en tu vida!"
Phone Apps. Available in Spanish and English
Headspace: "Headspace es tu guía personal hacia la salud y la felicidad. Es una herramienta sencilla para aliviar el estrés y descansar bien durante la noche. Aprende a relajarte con meditaciones guiadas y técnicas de mindfulness que traerán calma, bienestar y equilibrio a tu vida con solo unos minutos al día de práctica."
Liberate: "Meditation app dedicated to empowering the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community on their journey to find inner peace."
Phone Apps. Only in English but easy to navigate even with minimal English skills
Whats Up?: "Free app utilizing some of the best CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) methods to help you cope with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress and more! With a beautiful, modern design, simple heading and easy-to-follow methods, you can get to what helps you the most in seconds!"
Calm: An app that provides meditation for grounding oneself, reducing anxiety, increasing energy, as well as sleep stories for when one has trouble falling asleep and relaxing music.
Loona: A mood-altering app that lets you disconnect from a long stressful day and prepares you emotionally and gets you in the right mood to sleep.
Reflectly: A journal app in the palm of your hand where you can write about your feelings, emotions, experiences, etc.
I Love Hue: "A gentle journey into color and perception app that lets you arrange mosaics of colored tiles into perfectly ordered spectrums and helps you ground yourself through visual tranquility. "
# Self Care: "An app that lets you create your own safe place to ground oneself and connect with yourself through activities found such as blowing bubbles, breathing techniques, lighting a virtual candle, doing a puzzle, journaling etc. "
....and every now and then, put down your phone and enjoy the moments around you.
SALUDos!
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