Are you running on empty, trying to manage caregiving duties while your own stress levels climb? You pour so much into supporting your loved one, but who’s helping you? Caregiver stress isn’t just a feeling; it’s a physical and emotional burden that can impact your health and ability to provide care.
This guide highlights five powerful mobile apps designed specifically to help you find moments of calm, resilience, and clarity amidst the chaos. With a simple tap on your phone, you can access science-backed tools for meditation, mood tracking, and guided self-care, turning your device into a portable sanctuary for your well-being.
Mobile Apps Can Help Caregivers Cope When Burned Out
We aren’t born knowing how to handle the demanding situations and emotions that come with caring for an older adult.
Daily challenges plus strong emotions like anger, sadness, resentment, or depression raise stress levels and worsen overall health.
A convenient way to relieve caregiver stress quickly is to use supportive mobile apps. They’re always at your fingertips and can be used at any time of day.
We selected the top 5 mobile apps that help reduce caregiver stress, manage frustration, and ease anxiety from a vast list of mental health resources on Greatist.Â
The best part? They’re all free.
5 Free Mobile Apps for Caregiver Stress Relief
Breathe2Relax
Focused breathing has been proven to reduce stress. Developed by the Department of Defense to support returning veterans, this app teaches users diaphragmatic breathing.
Features include customizable guided breathing sessions, educational videos on the stress response, and a log to track stress levels. (Free; iOS and Android)
Happify
Want to kick negative thoughts, reduce worry, and dial down stress? The array of engaging games, activity suggestions, and gratitude prompts makes Happify a useful shortcut to a good mood.
Designed with input from 18 health and happiness experts, Happify’s positive mood-training program is psychologist-approved. Its website also links to bonus videos that are sure to make you smile. (Free; iOS and Android)
SAMÂ (Self-help for Anxiety Management)
How do you know what’s pushing you over the edge and how to reel yourself back in?
SAM’s approach is to monitor anxious thoughts, track behavior over time, and use guided self-help exercises to manage stress. You can also speak confidentially with an online community for additional support. (Free; iOS and Android)
Companion
Releasing negative thoughts, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in mindful awareness is good for well-being.
This app makes it easier by guiding you through proven techniques that reduce negative thoughts and emotions and help you develop a more present mindset. (Free; iOS and Android)
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide
Need help managing depression? This app has guided relaxation techniques, and provides strategies to challenge negative thinking, tracks dips in your mood, and helps you learn about clinical depression and treatments. (Free; Android)
Final Thoughts About Mobile Apps for Caregivers
Downloading one of these apps is more than just adding an icon to your screen – it’s a commitment to your own health and a declaration that your well-being matters. Start small; even a three-minute breathing exercise during a quiet moment can reset your stress levels.
By incorporating these tools into your routine, you’re not taking time away from caregiving; you’re ensuring you have the mental and emotional strength to be the compassionate, resilient caregiver you want to be. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Take this step to refill yours. For more essential resources to support your caregiving journey, visit DailyCaring.com.
Recommended for you:
- Caregivers Get Speedy Meditation Benefits with 4 Simple Apps
- 14 Practical Ways to Relieve Caregiver Stress
- 15 Affordable Stress Relief Products That Help Caregivers Relax and Unwind
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.
Thank You for the Tips each Day.
And you are right, they really are helpful and many times I pass them on to friends and encourage them to also receive your daily email’s.
We have 2 challenges at home.
1, Mother with Dementia
2, Sister with a Downs Syndrome
Nice to get some breathing room!
Thank You. Ron
We’re so glad that our articles and daily emails are helpful! Thank you very much for sharing with your friends!
We aren’t as familiar with Downs Syndrome, but we do have an extensive library of articles that can help with Alzheimer’s and dementia — https://dailycaring.com/category/health-conditions/alzheimers-dementia/
In case some of these activity ideas might be fun for both your mother and your sister, check out our Dementia Activities section — https://dailycaring.com/tag/alzheimers-dementia-activities/
And for yourself, we’ve got a lot of articles that help relieve stress and suggest ways to take breaks and get some time for yourself — https://dailycaring.com/category/caregiver-wellness/stress-relief/