There’s no denying it, times are tough and confusing as hell right now. Physical distancing and the general daily news headlines can play havoc on your mental health. And while we’re spending a lot of time at home, it’s important to take time to look after yourself.
Fortunately, there’s a bunch of amazing, and free, resources out there to help de-stress and curb your anxiety—yep, we’re talking about our good friend, the podcast.
While we’re not saying these podcasts are a cure-all, they’re a simple and immediate way to way to start your day with a clearer mind and a grateful heart.
Here are the best podcasts for mindfulness and meditation so you can zen out.
The Mindful Minute
If you’re a newbie to meditation (welcome) it can be a little intimidating at first, so start small with this perfect beginner’s podcast. Each week The Mindful Minute host Meryl, a dedicated yogi, will drop a new ep that focuses on how to live your life more mindfully, easily and happily. Just a heads up, the eps absolutely run for more than a minute, more like 30 of them, but you’ll come out the other side feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your day so we suggest listening to this one first thing.
Mindfulness Mode
Podcast host Bruce Langford just became your new BFF and life coach, because he is here to help you become the very best version of yourself. He will help you de-stress and focus in on your personal and professional goals, and with the help of mindfulness, your mess of a life will become just that much easier to manage. He's even got a piece on COVID-19 and how to deal with the stress and anxiety associated with it which, let's be honest, we all need to hear right now.
On Being With Krista Tippett
The team at On Being, led by the incredible Krista Tippett, is putting all of us first, asking the big questions in life, and putting what’s really important into perspective. She’ll sort out you and your mindfulness ASAP. Obama even awarded her the National Humanities Medal at the White House, so if that doesn’t tell you how legit she is, then we don’t know what will.
Meditation Minis
Perfect for both beginners and those with a short attention span (no shade) these simple and snappy guided meditations will calm your anxiety, help overcome negative thinking, increase your confidence and sharpen your mental focus. Hosted by hypnotherapist Chel Hamilton, the podcast eps run from five to no more than 20 minutes. Some of our faves include steps to get a good night’s sleep and the natural tranquilizer meditation—trust us, it works.
Meditation Station
You can’t beat Meditation Station for an easy listen and some incredible results. Hosted by Stin Hansen, you can consider this to be your mindfulness training 101, where you will learn all of the techniques that will carry you to your most calm self. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Check it out and begin your meditation journey.
Happier With Gretchen Rubin
From the bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin is here to bring her practical and manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this thought-provoking podcast. We love the banter between Rubin and her cohost/younger sister Elizabeth, a TV writer living in LA who often tests out Rubin’s happiness hacks. This one has easy listening all over it.
Crappy To Happy
Hosted by clinical psychologist Cass Dunn, Crappy to Happy sits more on the inspirational end of mindfulness podcasts. In each ep Dunn chats with interesting and inspiring guests to help listeners find the root of the reasons why they may not be preforming at their best. Guests include Turia Pitt, Tiffany Hall and Clare Bowditch. Preapre to be inspired.
The Daily Meditation Podcast
Between just eight to 15 minutes long, everyone can make time in their day for a little slice of zen with this podcast. Led by Mary Meckley, each ep has a weekly theme based on an emotion. Through her guided meditations, Meckley will teach you how to gain control of your emotions, manage fear in a crisis (timely), find inner peace and learn how to practice gratitude. There are also bonus eps that take a deeper dive on some of these emotions.
Mindfulness Meditation
Brought to you by the Rubin Museum of Art in NYC, here you’ll find a weekly podcast stuffed full of amazing meditation material. These podcasts are recordings of the actual sessions that run at the museum, where beginners, dabblers and full-on pros go to meditate with each other, so if you find yourself in NYC you must check them out. But until then, tune in from home and meditate with the best of ‘em.
Now that you're all zen, treat yourself to an at home spa day.
Image credit: Bruno Gomiero