Mindfulness apps and tools to help creatives switch off this summer

The British summer is a pretty weird time when it comes down to it. Either the heat and humidity intensify and, in a nation that doesn't really do air conditioning, everything gets quickly unpleasant and overwhelming. Or we get cool, cloudy, or even miserable rainy days, and you feel cheated ("Call this summer?").

At the same time, you've either booked a holiday, in which case you're rushing to get all your work done before you leave, and stressing about how much you'll be able to pack into your suitcase (airlines getting increasingly strict about weight and size guidelines). Or you haven't, in which case you're feeling left out and frustrated as everyone shares their own beach snaps on Facebook.

All of which seems a little ironic. In theory, at least, summer is a time we should all look forward to – an opportunity to relax, reset and restore. Unfortunately, in today's hyper-connected world, truly switching off can be a significant challenge.

The good news is that there is a wealth of apps and tools designed specifically to help you. In this article, we'll explore some of the best choices before offering some expert tips to help you unwind and recharge your creative batteries.

What is mindfulness, exactly?

Before we dive into the tools, though, it's crucial to understand mindfulness and why it's particularly beneficial for those working in creative fields.

In a nutshell, mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment, allowing you to experience life more fully and with greater awareness.

For creatives, that can be a game-changer. After all, the creative process often involves periods of intense focus followed by moments of relaxation and inspiration.

Mindfulness can help balance these states, reducing stress, enhancing focus, and ultimately boosting your creativity. By taking the time to disconnect from work and practice mindfulness, you can return to your projects feeling refreshed and inspired.

Got it? Okay then, on with the apps…

1. Waking Up

Waking Up is more than just another meditation app: it's designed to be a new "operating system for your mind" and a guide to living a better life. Created by neuroscientist and author Sam Harris, it offers a deeper approach to mindfulness that aims to fundamentally transform how you see yourself and the world. Key features include:

• A 28-day Introductory Course that dives deep into real mindfulness practices
• Expert teachings on neuroscience, psychedelics, ethics and other life topics
• In-depth theory and practice of meditation explained
• A variety of contemplative traditions covered, including Vipassana, Zen and Dzogchen
• Tools like meditation timers, reminders and an audio library

What sets Waking Up apart is its focus on the true purpose of meditation: not just stress relief or better sleep but opening the door to a deeper understanding of yourself. It features lots of interesting conversations about, well, the meaning of life. It combines ancient wisdom with modern science to offer a secular but profound approach to mindfulness and contemplation.

The app is subscription-based but free for anyone who can't afford it, as its makers never want money to be a barrier to accessing these teachings. For creatives looking to fundamentally change their relationship with their own minds, Waking Up offers a uniquely comprehensive and transformative approach.

2. Headspace

Headspace is one of the most popular and best known of the mindfulness apps, and for good reason. In simple terms, it offers a comprehensive suite of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and sleep aids that cater to beginners and experienced practitioners. Key features include:

• Daily meditations that build on each other, creating a structured program.
• Themed meditation packs addressing specific concerns such as stress.
• A variety of sleep sounds and bedtime stories to help you unwind at night.
• SOS sessions for moments of acute anxiety or stress.

To my mind, what sets Headspace apart is its user-friendly interface and approachable content. The app uses charming animations and a conversational tone to make mindfulness feel accessible and comforting. Many people have told me that Headspace has helped them break unhealthy phone habits and improve their sleep quality. And that's why I think it's an excellent choice for creatives looking to establish a more balanced relationship with technology.

3. Calm

Calm takes a slightly different approach. While Headspace's focus is on structured meditation and habit formation, Calm provides a broader range of tools for relaxation, including sleep stories, music and nature sounds. It has a soothing interface and a wide range of content. Key features include:

• Sleep stories narrated by celebrities and voice actors to help you drift off.
• Breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
• A library of relaxing music and nature sounds.
• Guided meditations ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

If you find your mind racing at bedtime, Calm's sleep stories and soundscapes can be particularly helpful. The app also offers a Daily Calm feature, which provides a new 10-minute guided meditation each day.

4. Insight Timer

Insight Timer stands out due to its extensive library of free content. This makes it a good choice for anyone wishing to explore different styles of meditation and mindfulness without spending a lot of money. Key features include:

• Over 100,000 free guided meditations from a diverse range of teachers.
• A wide selection of music tracks and ambient sounds.
• Talks and courses from mindfulness experts and thought leaders.
• Customisable timer for self-guided meditation with background sounds.

The sheer variety of content on Insight Timer makes it easy to experiment with different approaches to mindfulness and find what works best for you. Whether you prefer traditional guided meditations, sound baths, or more movement-based practices, Insight Timer will likely have something that resonates with you.

5. Simple Habit

Are things very hectic for you right now? Then you'll need an app that's designed with busy lifestyles in mind. Simple Habit offers quick, effective meditations that fit easily into a frantic schedule. Key features include:

• 5-minute meditations for quick stress relief.
• Themed sessions addressing specific situations such as commuting or creative block.
• Sleep aids to help you unwind at the end of the day.
• On-the-go feature for accessing short meditations anytime, anywhere.

This bite-sized approach to mindfulness makes Simple Habit a good choice for anyone struggling to find time for longer mindfulness practices or who feels overwhelmed by the concept. By starting with just five minutes a day, you can gradually build up a sustainable mindfulness practice that fits your specific lifestyle.

6. Forest app

Do you find it hard to stay focused on your work? Forest takes a unique approach to mindfulness and productivity by gamifying the experience of staying centred. So if you're a competitive sort of a person – for example, you rarely exercised until you got a fitness watch that measured your daily steps – then Forest could be just the kind of app to change your habits. Key features include:

• A timer for focused work sessions during which a virtual tree grows.
• The ability to earn coins, which can be used to plant real trees.
• A visual representation of your productivity over time.
• Social features that allow you to compare your forest with friends.

Forest's innovative approach can be particularly appealing to creative professionals who struggle with digital distractions. By providing a tangible, visual representation of focused time, the app encourages you to stay present with your creative work. This can lead to improved productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment, which in turn can reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

Expert tips for switching off

While apps such as these can be incredibly helpful in cultivating mindfulness, they'll only get you so far. To truly change your mental habits, you'll need to go further. Here are some expert recommendations for how to refocus your mind and be more mindful in both your creative work and your life in general.

1. Set clear boundaries

One of the biggest challenges we face in the digital age is the blurring of lines between work and personal time. So, it's vital that you designate specific times for checking work emails or social media and stick to them.

This creates a clear separation between work and personal time, allowing you to fully disconnect during your off hours. If you're struggling to stick to this in practice, consider using apps such as Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites during your designated offline times.

2. Digital Detox

Digital tech is amazing, but we all know from experience that if we spend too much time in front of it, our mental and physical health will suffer. So, set aside time daily, or even weekly, to be completely tech-free.

This could be as simple as leaving your phone in another room during meals or as extensive as going a full day without screens each week. Either way, you'll reduce your eye strain and mental fatigue, helping you relax and reconnect with the physical world around you. Typically, these periods of digital detox also lead to renewed inspiration and fresh ideas.

3. Nature walks

Spending time outdoors in nature can have a profound effect on your mental state. The calming effect of natural environments can help clear your mind and provide a refreshing break from screens and urban stimuli. So try incorporating a daily walk in a park or similar natural setting into your routine. And importantly, pay attention to the sights, sounds and smells around you, practising mindfulness as you move through the environment.

4. Journaling

Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, clearing mental clutter and sparking creativity. So, set aside time each day to jot down your thoughts, ideas and reflections. This practice not only helps you switch off from the digital world but also provides a non-digital outlet for your creativity. Many creatives find that regular journalling leads to new insights and ideas for their work.

(Oh, and by the way, if every time we say "Set aside time", your chest tightens, then maybe pay attention to that sensation right now. Reflect on the fact that it's not about "losing" time when you could be working. It's about boosting your ability to come up with fresh, creative ideas when you do sit down at your desk. Ultimately, that will mean you achieve more in less time, giving you more time to relax, meditate, journal, etc.)

5. Mindful breathing

One of the simplest yet most effective mindfulness techniques is focused breathing. Practice deep breathing exercises for a few minutes each day, paying attention to the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body. This simple technique calms the nervous system and reduces stress, helping you centre yourself amidst a busy day.

The best thing is that you can use this technique anytime, anywhere. You don't need special clothes, space, or a yoga mat. Breathing exercises can be done pretty much anywhere, making them a valuable tool for managing stress and staying present.

6. Create a mindful workspace

Your physical environment significantly impacts your ability to switch off. So, draw on all your creativity and design your workspace in a way that will best promote mindfulness and relaxation. This might include, for instance, incorporating plants, using calming colours, or creating a designated "offline" area where you can work without digital distractions. Also, think about creating a soothing atmosphere by adding, say, a Himalayan salt lamp or an essential oil diffuser to your desk.

7. Practice mindful creativity

Mindfulness isn't just something you do in your spare time. You also need to incorporate it into your creative process. Before starting a new project or tackling a creative challenge, take a few moments to centre yourself. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and set an intention for your creative session. This can help you approach your work with greater focus and presence.

8. Establish a bedtime routine

Many of us struggle with racing thoughts at bedtime, making it difficult to switch off. If that's the case with you, then take the time to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This might include relaxing activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music; basically, it's whatever works for you. Most importantly, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, as the blue light interferes with your sleep cycle on a deep-seated, biological basis that you can't just shrug off.

9. Engage in physical activity

Regular exercise can be a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. So find a form of physical activity that you enjoy, whether it's yoga, running, dancing or team sports. The endorphins released during exercise will help clear your mind and reduce anxiety, making it easier to switch off from work-related stress.

10. Practise gratitude

Here's one you might not have thought of. End each day by reflecting on three things you're grateful for. This simple practice can be surprisingly effective in shifting your focus from stress and worries to the positive aspects of your life, helping you to relax as a result.

Finally, remember that mindfulness is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. As you explore these apps and techniques, be patient with yourself and allow time for experimentation.

It's not about achieving perfect mindfulness or completely eliminating stress; rather, it's about developing habits and practices that help you navigate the challenges of creative work with greater ease and presence. In other words, try lots of things, and eventually, you'll find that practice makes perfect.