Meditation might be one of the first things you omit from your busy schedule when you are running from one meeting in city A to another conference in country B. You’ll rest, relax and recharge your mental and spiritual batteries afterwards, right? With a planning that might go from 8 am to 10 pm, there is simply no time to meditate. Well, think again—if you want to enjoy mental clarity and be your best, most grounded self during those important meetings away from your regular workplace, then you will need your meditation during those very days. More than ever, you need to tap into that deeper level and take full advantage of the benefits of meditation. Ideally, you wake up in your hotel room extra early in the morning to squeeze in at least 10 minutes of meditation, but when you are constantly rushing from one place to the other, you still don’t have an excuse to just drop the meditation. Instead, you can use apps on your iPhone to convert some of your transit time (cab ride, waiting time in an airport terminal… anywhere goes!) in your little meditation retreat, your point of centering and balance in the midst of all business and chaos. Using some of your lunch break time to refresh you mind, perhaps combined with some walking meditation, is another lovely way to create order and space in your mind again. A wide range of apps are available to bring you your relaxation wherever, whenever. You can choose a guided breathing exercise, a complete guided meditation that uses binaural beats to bring you into the right level of mind more quickly, or simply some sounds of nature or white noise that can help you block out distractions so that you can turn your attention inward. Simply take your headphones, close your eyes and let these apps guide you—whether you are on an airplane, on your commute, or in a hotel bedroom:
1. Pranayama
This app helps you focus on your breathing by helping you count your inhalations and exhalations according to a fixed ratio. This app is minimalist, but uses different sounds to identify the right times for inhaling and exhaling.
2. Spiritual healing
Burt Goldman, the American monk, guides you into your soul or into a healing meditation. He uses a three-to-one countdown to help you go deep within.
3. Silva Relax
Laura Silva, from the Silva method, guides you through a long or short centering exercise. Very powerful!
4. Take a Break
Lovely short guided relaxation meditations, that are perfect for your lunch break. Find a quiet, comfortable place and let this app help you to refresh your mind.
5. Relaxation
Another guided meditation that rejuvenates you. This meditation is particularly helpful in the evening. After a busy day of meetings, you might find it difficult to unwind and relax your mind so that you can achieve deep sleep.
6. Pocket retreat
Zen-inspired guided breathing meditations, also including suggestions for when you decide taking your own meditation retreat.
7. Wisdom
A meditation to help you tap into your inner wisdom—recommended for the difficult days at work, or whenever you need to connect inwards.
8. Zazen (Lite)
A great mindfulness bell and timer app for those who may prefer not to use guided meditations. It’s a good idea to combine this app with a meditation in which you simply focus on your breathing.
9. Relax Lite
A guided body scan that will help you slide into slumber in no time.
10. eSleepLite
Designed as a sleep app, you can use these background noises to block outside disturbances when you want to have some quiet peace of mind while being on the go.
11. Naturespace
Naturespace brings you into a beautiful imaginary scenery by using special holographic sound technology.
12. Omvana
Omvana is probably the most extensive meditation app out there. You can mix and match voices ( narrating guided instructions) with background sounds. Try out some these apps, and you’ll see that they can give you that little bit of extra zen when you need it the most!
