In the middle of a chaotic caregiving day, when your heart is racing and your to-do list is screaming, the last thing you have time for is a lengthy meditation class or a therapist’s appointment. Your anxiety attacks don’t wait for a convenient moment, and neither should your relief.
What if you could access a pocket-sized toolkit for calm, right now, from your phone? These five mobile apps are designed to meet you in your moment of peak stress with immediate, evidence-based techniques to quiet your nervous system, refocus your mind, and help you reclaim a sense of control—all in just a few minutes.
Caregiver Stress Can Cause Anxiety and Overwhelm Family Members
When you’re caring for an older adult, you may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, worry, fear, or anger.
Sometimes it can be challenging to interrupt the negative cycle and shake yourself free of those thoughts and feelings.
We’ve rounded up five wonderful free mobile apps that instantly lower your blood pressure, help you focus on positive or neutral thoughts, and bring you back to a calm state.
That will allow you to relax enough to take a break, make decisions with a clear head, or remain patient with your older adult, even in a frustrating situation.
5 Free Mobile Apps That Relieve Caregiver Stress and Anxiety
What’s Up?
This is a great all-around app with a wealth of helpful tools for anxiety and stress management, perfect for caregivers.
For instant relief, the four tools in the Help Right Now section use different techniques to help you stop negative thoughts and regain your calm.
Free; Get the app for iPhone or Android
MindShift CBT
When you need fast anxiety relief, MindShift helps you take a breath, shift your thinking, and take steps to cope.
The app includes nearly a dozen tools to reduce anxiety. It’s based on scientifically proven strategies that help you learn to relax and develop more effective ways of thinking.
Tools include: guided meditations to help you relax, coping cards that quickly ease anxiety with helpful coping statements, and a thought journal to help challenge thoughts that keep you stuck in anxiety.
Free; Get the app for iPhone or Android
Stop Panic and Anxiety Self-Help
This app is especially designed to help with panic attacks, something that many caregivers have experienced.
The 3 audio tracks cover panic assistance, emotional training, and relaxation. Panic assistance coaches you through a panic attack, emotional training trains you to access a calm state, and relaxation helps you reduce stress and relax your body.
You can also keep a journal to track how you’re feeling.
Free; Get the app for Android
7 Cups
7 Cups connects you to 24/7 free emotional support through its anonymous chat feature. Trained volunteer listeners are available anytime to give emotional support over online chat.
They also offer free self-help guides covering a range of mental health topics.
And if you’re interested, they also offer affordable online therapy for a low monthly fee.
Free, in-app purchases; Get the app for iPhone or Android or use online
Insight Timer
InsightTimer is an entirely free app for sleep, anxiety, and stress. It offers guided meditations, courses, insightful talks, and more.
They’ve got an extensive section with dozens of meditations specifically for anxiety.
Free; Get the app for iPhone or Android or use online
Final Thoughts About Caregiver Apps for Stress Reduction
Downloading one of these apps is more than just adding an icon to your screen; it’s a proactive commitment to your own well-being. In the palm of your hand, you now hold a portable sanctuary, a reminder that even in the most demanding moments, you have the power to shift your state of mind.
You don’t need much time; you need to grant yourself permission to pause and press play. Your mental health is the foundation upon which all your caregiving rests. Let these apps be your first line of defense, helping you preserve your energy, patience, and peace. You deserve this support.
Recommended for you:
- 5 Coping Tips for the Overwhelmed Caregiver
- 15 Quick Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress
- 6 Ways to Stop Judging Yourself as a Caregiver
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
