Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, but having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re working through early sobriety or maintaining long-term recovery, practical resources can help you stay grounded, mindful, and prepared. I’ve gathered some of the best free relapse prevention tools to support your journey—worksheets, apps, and guides designed to help you recognize triggers, strengthen coping skills, and build a resilient mindset.
This resource will ask your client to identify red flags warning them that they’re near relapse, people they can call during cravings, and things they can do to take their mind off using.
This free printable guide is an adaptation of Munn’s suggestions on how to work the Practical 12 Steps from his book, Staying Sober Without God. This workbook was created with the author’s permission in order to provide a format for working the Practical Steps and is meant to be used in conjunction with the book. The book can be purchased here.
Disclaimer: I worked hard to include only tools that are reliable and validated, but please don’t use these tools as diagnostic measures. They’re provided here for educational purposes only. If a questionnaire is copyrighted, please comply with copyright regulations.
PDF=Direct link to PDF
PDF for download=Link to webpage (or website) with PDF link
Manifest. The word ‘manifest’ was looked up over 130,000 times last year. It was Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year in 2024 (Cambridge University Press & Assessment, 2024). It’s still trending on Google. The dictionary definition of manifest is “to show something clearly, through signs or actions.” (Source: MANIFEST | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary)
Influencers promote the idea that you can achieve anything you desire simply by manifesting—visualizing your dreams and following a set of simple steps. The concept suggests that by directing your energy into the universe or toward a Higher Power, your desires will materialize.
As a counselor, I wholeheartedly believe in optimism and the power of positive thinking. Research confirms that positive thinking can physically rewire the brain and influence various body systems, boosting motivation and overall wellbeing. Studies show that individuals who experience higher levels of flourishing exhibit structural and functional differences in brain areas linked to life satisfaction, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and goal achievement. Additionally, positive emotions activate key regions of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, enhancing cognition, decision-making, and motivation—ultimately fostering healthier lifestyle choices and improved physical wellbeing (Kandel, 2013).
Positive thinking is also linked to increased resilience and life satisfaction (Taherkhani et al., 2023). In individuals with substance use disorders, cultivating a positive mindset was shown to enhance hope and quality of life (Mohammad-Najar et al., 2017). Moreover, research in healthcare settings demonstrates that patient expectations significantly influence treatment outcomes (Laferton et al., 2017).
To the untrained eye, this might seem like proof that simply staying positive and wishing enough can make our dreams come true—that we can manifest success into existence. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case.
I watched several YouTube videos and social media reels on manifesting and noticed a recurring theme, with some variation. For instance, one video suggested that a key step to manifesting involved traveling to the fourth dimension in your dreams. Another claimed that simply writing down a desire and rereading it repeatedly over a set number of days would cause it to manifest—implying that repetition alone held the power to bring desires to life. I also did a quick Google search for books with “manifest” in the title and found Manifest Abundance in 7 Days, Manifesting Miracles, and Manifest Quick Money.
The difference between science and Manifest Abundance in 7 Days is that while our brains are incredibly powerful, they primarily influence and regulate internal processes, such as other body systems. They do not control external factors like the actions of other people or winning the lottery.
Manifestation vs. Goal-setting
The idea that manifesting requires simply writing something down and following a few steps is, in a way, accurate—it’s called goal-setting. However, goal achievement is more likely to happen within the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-limited. If you set goals that aren’t realistically achievable, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment or failure.
One video outlined the following steps to manifesting:
Set your intention
Believe it will happen
Take action
Trust the process
Receive what you asked for
The speaker illustrated this process using an example that was entirely within the scope of control, making it sound logical and convincing. If my goal were to write a book, and I actively worked towards that goal, I would eventually succeed, depending on my level of motivation. However, writing a best-seller is beyond my control because I cannot dictate how others will respond to my work. Writing a book is a realistic goal—its success, however, depends on factors beyond my influence, such as market trends, reader preferences, and publisher interest.
Positive thinking and taking action are crucial elements of achieving goals, but manifesting something into existence—especially outcomes reliant on external forces—is simply not a reality.
Goal-setting alone is powerful and has been linked to
Improved performance – Helps individuals stay focused and efficient.
Enhanced motivation– Increases intrinsic drive to achieve goals.
Greater self-efficacy – Builds confidence in one’s ability to succeed.
Better emotion regulation – Supports mental resilience and stress management.
Increased cooperation – Encourages teamwork and ethical decision-making.
Improved wellbeing – Positively affects mental, emotional, and physical health.
You can also use this free worksheet to help you narrow your goals down by life area. Use this free worksheet for setting both short and long term goals.
Summary
This article explores the concept of manifestation, as popularized by influencers, and contrasts it with scientific perspectives on positive thinking and goal-setting. It begins by noting the popularity of the word manifest in 2024 and its dictionary definition. Influencers may claim that visualization and directing energy into the universe can bring desires to life, but this post argues that positive thinking alone does not guarantee success.
Kandel, E. R. (2013). The new science of mind and the future of knowledge. In S. H. Koslow & M. F. Huerta (Eds.), Neuroscience in the 21st century (pp. 3–20). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407236-7.00001-2
Laferton, J. A. C., Kube, T., Salzmann, S., Auer, C. J., & Shedden-Mora, M. (2017). Patients’ expectations regarding medical treatment: A critical review of concepts and their assessment. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, Article 233. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00233
Taherkhani, Z., Kaveh, M. H., Mani, A., Ghahremani, L., & Khademi, K. (2023). The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 13(1), Article 3478. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30684-y
What does it mean to truly thrive? Flourishing goes beyond just getting by—it’s about rewiring your brain for growth, resilience, and fulfillment. Discover how positive psychology and neuroplasticity can help you build a thriving life.
Neuroplasticity & Recovery: The brain has the ability to rewire itself—at any age or health status—meaning growth and change are always possible.
Flourishing & Positive Psychology: Martin Seligman’s PERMA model defines wellbeing through Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement.
Your Brain on Flourishing: Research shows flourishing changes the brain, enhancing life satisfaction, self-esteem, and motivation.
Practical Steps to Flourish:
Gratitude practice
Daily reflection
Identify & use strengths
Final Takeaway:Healing, growth, and thriving are possible—and they start today, not someday in the future
After having a stroke at 42 as a relatively healthy adult with minimal risk factors and spending three weeks in the hospital and then inpatient physical rehab, I’m not taking life for granted. And I’m not going to wait until I retire to do all the things I’ve been wanting to do. Tomorrow isn’t promised. And I want to spend the rest of my life not just existing but flourishing.
The stroke was a profound shock to me and everyone in my life; I maintain a healthy weight, I don’t smoke, and I have no family history of stroke. (I’m even plant-based!) It came out of nowhere.
Fortunately, the damage was minimal: I experience some balance issues and short-term memory impairment, but fundamentally, I’m still the person I was before. I know that some stroke survivors undergo significant personality changes, depending on which part of the brain is most affected. This post has become deeply personal, leading me to research the brain’s capacity to rewire itself—a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Through this, I’m learning how to potentially repair neural pathways or create new ones as I recover.
Research indicates that even individuals with mental illness and substance use, including those with chronic or reoccurring disorders, can fully recover and reach high levels of wellbeing (e.g., flourishing) (Keyes et al., 2022).
Neuroplasticity & Flourishing
“Neuroplasticity can be viewed as a general umbrella term that refers to the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience” (Voss, et al., 2017)
Reseeardh indicates that neuroplasticity is possible in brains young and old, as well as brains healthy and diseased (Voss, et al., 2017). So there’s hope for everyone, no matter your age or your physical/mental health.
Understanding the brain’s ability to rewire itself naturally leads to the question: What does it mean to truly thrive? This is where the concept of flourishing comes in.
Flourishing & Positive Psychology
Maslow originally coined the term positive psychology in the 1950s, and the movement gained momentum as psychologists sought alternatives to outdated treatment modalities. Around the same time, humanistic psychology emerged, with Maslow arguing that psychology’s focus on disorder and dysfunction overlooked human potential.
Martin Seligman, a co-founder of positive psychology, became a leading figure in the movement during the 1990s (Nash, 2015). His work centered on authentic happiness, which he defined as a fulfillment achieved not by pursuing momentary pleasures but by making intentional choices that bring meaning to life. According to Seligman (2011), authentic happiness consists of three key elements: positive emotion, engagement (flow)—using one’s highest strengths and talents to meet the world—and meaning—”belonging to and serving something greater than oneself” (p. 11, p. 17).
As Seligman worked to conceptualize wellbeing, he determined that it was comprised of fourth element: accomplishment as in “accomplishment for the sake of accomplishment” (p. 19). As he further developed the construct of wellbeing, he observed that wellbeing has five measurable elements, and introduced the concept of PERMA:
Positive emotion
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Acheivement
He observed that “No one element defines wellbeing but each contributes to it” (Seligman, 2017, p.24). Eventually, Seligman concluded that the goal of positive psychology within wellbeing theory is “to measure and to build human flourishing” (Seligman, 2011, p. 29) He suggested several practical exercises for flourishing:
Practice gratitude by expressing it in an intentional and thoughtful way.
Focus on the positive. “Every night for the next week, set aside 10 minutes before you go to sleep. Write down three things that went well today and why they went well” (Seligman, 2011, p. 33). Be sure to stick with it for the entire week.
Identify and use your signature strengths. Start by discovering your signature strengths by taking the free VIA Strengths of Character Survey here: Questionnaire Center | Authentic Happiness. (The assessment is interactive and self-scoring. Registration required.) Examine your top five strengths and determine whether each is a signature strength. Once you’ve determined your signature strengths, carve out a time in your weekly schedule to exercise one or more of these strengths in a new way and then reflect on it through writing. Seligman suggested answering the following questions: “How did you feel before, during, and after engaging in the activity? Was the activity challenging? Easy? Did you lose your sense of self-consciousness? Do you plan to repeat the exercise?” (Seligman, 2011, pp. 39-40).
Seligman observed that the exercises were effective even in depressed individuals.
To measure your current level of flourishing, take the short assessment below.
Citation: Diener, E., Wirtz, D., Tov, W., Kim-Prieto, C., Choi, D., Oishi, S., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2009). New measures of well-being: Flourishing and positive and negative feelings. Social Indicators Research, 39, 247-266.
Description: The Flourishing Scale is a brief 8-item summary measure of the respondent’s self-perceived success in important areas such as relationships, self-esteem, purpose, and optimism. The scale provides a single psychological wellbeing score.
Instructions:Below are 8 statements with which you either agree or disagree. Using the 1-7 scale below, indicate your agreement with each item by indicating that response for each statement.
1= Strongly disagree—————————–7=Strongly agree
I lead a purposeful and meaningful life.
My social relationships are supportive and rewarding.
. I am engaged and interested in my daily activities.
actively contribute to the happiness and well-being of others.
I am competent and capable in the activities tf
I am optimistic about my future.
People respect me.
Total your score. The possible range of scores is from 8 (lowest possible) to 56 (highest possible). A high score represents having many psychological resources and strengths.
Click on the link below to download a PDF version of the scale:
Advancements in brain imaging technology have demonstrated that talk therapy induces measurable physical changes in the brain, including alterations in both neural activity and structural connectivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2020). Research further suggests that flourishing in life is associated with brain changes such as increased activity in specific regions and enhanced connectivity between hemispheres (Goldbeck et al., 2019).
Expanding on this, Waugh (2022) found that brain areas linked to life satisfaction, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and goal progress exhibit differences in structure and neural functioning in individuals who experience higher levels of flourishing. Additionally, positive emotions activate key regions of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which enhance cognition, behavior, and motivation. This neural activation fosters better decision-making and supports healthier lifestyle choices, ultimately contributing to improved physical wellbeing (Kandel, 2013).
This journey has taught me that flourishing isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions—it’s about making intentional choices today. The brain is adaptable, healing is possible, and wellbeing is within reach. Neuroplasticity shows that our brains can rewire and grow, no matter our circumstances. Positive psychology teaches that thriving isn’t about chasing fleeting pleasure, but about cultivating meaning, engagement, and accomplishment. Science confirms that our thoughts, actions, and experiences can reshape the brain, reinforcing wellbeing. I’m not waiting until retirement to do the things I’ve always wanted to do—because tomorrow isn’t promised, but flourishing starts now.
Resources for Flourishing
Action for Happiness Daily actions, community-based well-being initiatives, and science-backed happiness resources
Goldbeck, F., Haipt, A., Rosenbaum, D., Rohe, T., Fallgatter, A. J., Hautzinger, M., & Ehlis, A.-C. (2019). The positive brain – Resting state functional connectivity in highly vital and flourishing individuals. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, Article 540. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00540
Diener, E., Wirtz, D., Tov, W., Kim-Prieto, C., Choi, D., Oishi, S., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2009). New measures of well-being: Flourishing and positive and negative feelings. Social Indicators Research, 39, 247-266.
Kandel, E. R. (2013). The new science of mind and the future of knowledge. In S. H. Koslow & M. F. Huerta (Eds.), Neuroscience in the 21st century (pp. 3–20). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407236-7.00001-2
Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
Voss, P., Thomas, M. E., Cisneros-Franco, J. M., & de Villers-Sidani, É. (2017). Dynamic brains and the changing rules of neuroplasticity: Implications for learning and recovery. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1657. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01657
augh, C. (2022). An affective neuroscience perspective on psychological flourishing: How the brain believes that things are going well. In I. Ivtzan (Ed.), The psychology of flourishing (pp. 33–47). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09786-7_3
Technology has become an essential part of our lives. We use smartphones and laptops on a daily basis to socialize, work, learn, and entertain ourselves. While technology may make our lives easier and more productive, it can also lead to “technostress,” a type of stress caused by technology.
Stress & Technology: Finding a Healthy Balance
This article will explore the causes and effects of technostress, and provide tips on how to manage it effectively and find a healthy balance with technology. It also includes two free printable handouts for healthy tech habits and stress management.
Internet usage in the United States has grown significantly over the years, with the number of users increasing from 294.53 million in 2019 to 313.6 million in 2022. Over 90% of Americans have access to the Internet today. By 2028, it is estimated that there will be over 340 million Internet users in the US.
Technology has had a profound impact on our lives in terms of communication, information access, education, work, shopping, and entertainment. When used appropriately, technology makes our lives easier. Our smartphones can help us track emails, manage our bank accounts, access the news, and complete a wide range of other tasks.
Technology has revolutionized the way we do things and has become an essential part of our day-to-day activities. However, as a result, many of us are also experiencing technology-related stress.
Technostress: A Modern-Day Epidemic
The term technostress was coined in the 1980s by Craig Brod, an American psychologist, author of Technostress: The Human Cost of the Computer Revolution. Brod originally defined technostress as a disease caused by the inability to cope with new technology.
With the advancement of technology and the invention of new devices, technostress has acquired a new meaning. It is now more broadly defined as any negative impact that the use of tech can have on a person. This can include stress caused by information overload, the constant feeling of needing to be connected, and the difficulty of keeping up with the latest technological advances.
A 2015 study found that Facebook users felt compelled to use the site frequently due to FOMO (fear of missing out) and to maintain their relationships. In 2017, research indicated that the overuse of cell phones led to technostress, with negative consequences for health, work, and personal wellbeing. And in 2019, researchers found that social media users continued to use social platforms despite experiencing technostress, exhibiting excessive and compulsive behaviors, the same way someone with an addiction continues to use despite negative consequences.
What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic has normalized remote work, which has led to an increase in the use of tech devices at home. A 2022 research study indicated that during the enforced remote work period, the use of technology for both work and personal purposes resulted in technostress.
How to Tell If You’re Experiencing Technostress
Technostress can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health. While the severity of symptoms will vary from person to person, common signs include:
Technology-induced stress often coexits with other work-related problems, such as “workaholism” and burnout. It can also negatively impact work through decreased motivation and increased absenteeism. In its advanced stages, technostress can cause memory impairment.
Additionally, technostress can cause problems at home. In relationships, it can lead to conflict and disconnection because people with technostress may be irritable, withdrawn, and less likely to engage in social activities.
Technostress & the Importance of Balance
When is the last time you switched your cell phone to “off”? This “always on” culture and the overconsumption of digital media have led to problems such as Internet addiction and issues with work-life balance.
Think of the times when, instead of spending quality time with our loved ones or enjoying a well-deserved break, we’re glued to our phones, checking emails or scrolling mindlessly through our social media feeds. And with the shift to remote working, the line between work and life has blurred, giving our minds less time to rest.
Even kids and teens are significantly exposed to digital technology, which can lead to overstimulation and stress. This highlights the need for a healthy balance when using tech.
4 Strategies for Finding Balance in a Digital Age
To combat technology-induced stress and find a healthy balance, try these techniques:
1. Digital Detox
Being exposed to too much information can be stressful, especially if you’re using your devices the majority of the time. Taking a break from technology for a few days can help reduce stress and provide other benefits, such as improved sleep and mental health.
Here are a few tips to help you take a break:
Identify what you want to detox from: This could be certain devices, apps, websites, or activities. For example, you might want to reduce your use of social media or stop playing games on your phone.
Schedule a time away from screens: This could be for a few days, weeks, or even just a few hours each day. If you can’t be away from your devices for work, try to set aside specific times when you won’t use them, such as during lunchtime, after work, and before bed.
Turn off notifications: Notifications from your smartphone can distract you from your work, personal time, or sleep. Turning them off can help you focus on other tasks or get the rest you need.
Limit app usage: If you find yourself checking certain apps too often and want to break the habit, use your phone’s settings to limit your usage time.
Inform your family and friends: If you decide to do a digital detox, tell your family and friends beforehand so they know to contact you on your preferred channels.
2. Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques
Many of us spend too much time scrolling mindlessly through our social media feeds, putting off other tasks for later. We do this for many reasons, including procrastination, FOMO, or lack of self-control.
Unfortunately, aimless scrolling can make us feel stressed and anxious, especially if we consume negative or distressing content. Additionally, scrolling for large amounts of time can lead to burnout. Instead, we can choose to be mindful of the media we consume. This means slowing down and being intentional about what we search for.
Young people who are affected by technostress can also utilize stress management techniques to improve their mood. If you have children and teens, ask them to practice these strategies on a regular basis to help center themselves.
For example, if they are suffering from information overload, they can try guided imagery, a type of meditation where they visualize a peaceful place to calm their minds. They may also benefit from using stress management handouts and worksheets, such as the ones below, to learn how to manage and reduce stress.
If you find yourself overusing your devices every day, causing you to neglect other tasks, consider developing your time management skills. Here are some tips:
Identify your time usage: Track how much time you spend on each activity, including work, house chores, hobbies, rest, and technology use. You may find that you’re spending too much time on your devices.
Set boundaries between work and personal life: This means defining your work hours and reserving time for personal tasks, such as social media use. Avoid checking work emails or messages outside of work hours unless absolutely necessary.
Eat the frog: Prioritize the “frog,” the most important or challenging task on your to-do list. Completing this task first will help you avoid procrastination and free up your energy for other tasks.
4. Healthy Tech Habits
Establishing healthy tech habits can help you avoid technostress. You and your family will benefit from these; it’s a good idea to practice them often.
Identify tech-free zones: Designate certain areas in your home as “tech-free” spaces, such as the dinner table, bedroom, and bathroom.
Set aside technology-free time: Schedule tech-free activities throughout the week, such as playing sports, visiting the park, or spending time with family. This will help you reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Avoid bringing your phone to bed: Using your smartphone before bed can disrupt your sleep. Choose relaxing activities leading up to bedtime instead, such as taking a bath, journaling, or drinking lavender tea.
The Rewards of a Balanced Life
When we use technology wisely, it can benefit us in many ways, such as improving communication, providing easy access to information, making shopping convenient, enabling collaborative learning, and creating opportunities for remote work.
Finding a healthy balance when using technology can improve our quality of life and help us avoid physical and mental health problems, such as technology-induced stress. Additionally, being in control of our tech usage can help us achieve work-life balance, giving us more time for family, hobbies, relaxation, and self-care.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, technology is a powerful tool that can be used to enrich our lives and make them easier. However, it is important to use technology in a healthy and balanced way. The overconsumption of digital media can have negative consequences for our physical and mental health, as well as our relationships and work-life balance.
Finding a healthy balance with technology starts with being mindful of how we use our devices. By following the strategies in this article, we can develop a healthier relationship with technology and use it to enhance our lives, not detract from them. This way, we can enjoy the benefits of technology without letting it control us.
About the Author:
Michael is a licensed clinical social worker with a private therapy practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He specializes in helping children and teens with mental health concerns. He is passionate about providing effective and compassionate care. He is an advocate for mental health awareness, and is the founder of Mental Health Center Kids, a website that provides resources and support for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals who care for children and teens.
Kindness calendars are a great resource for making a difference in someone’s life while helping you to feel happier. They can be used at home, in the workplace to boost morale, or, if you’re a mental health clinician, with clients who struggle with low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety.
Here are a few sample tips from three different kindness calendars:
Find a new way to use one of your strengths or talents. (Action for Happiness)
Write a letter of gratitude to someone. (Greater Good)
Put a $10 or $20 bill in a book with a note that says, “Great choice! This book is on me!” (Random Acts of Kindness Foundation)
DIY Kindness Calendars
You can create your own kindness calendar by printing off a template and filling in your own unique ideas. (Tip: Canva offers a wide selection of free customizable templates for monthly calendars.)
You may also use a blank calendar to track your acts of kindness or self-care practices. Other options for reminding yourself to be kind include keeping a kindness to-do list (either on a pad of paper or as a memo in your phone) or carrying pocket affirmations with you to share with others.
Action for Happiness’ mission is to help people create a happier world, with a culture that prioritizes happiness and kindness. Their patron is the Dalai Lama, a testament to their commitment to promoting kindness on a global scale.
Action for Happiness posts monthly themed calendars that provide a variety of activities and tips for happiness. (For example, the September 2023 theme was “Self-Care September” with tips like “Let go of other people’s expectations of you,” and the August 2023 theme was “Altruistic August” with tips like “Forgive someone who hurt you in the past.”)
In addition to kindness calendars, the organization offers podcasts, videos, and articles on topics such as happiness, kindness, and self-care.
The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) of the University of California at Berkeley is a leading research and education center dedicated to the study of wellbeing. The GGSC’s mission is to promote a kinder and more compassionate world.
Each month, GGSC posts a happiness calendar, which you can download and print or subscribe to. They also publish special versions (e.g., for educators or for parents) periodically. The happiness calendars are themed and include tips and activities that can help you practice gratitude, savor positive experiences, and connect with others. For example, the September 2023 theme was “be vulnerable and true to yourself” and included tips like “Have a conversation with your family about race,” and the August 2023 theme was “relax and recharge” and included tips like “Practice mindful movement.”
GGSC provides a wealth of resources, including the online Greater Good magazine, which offers articles, videos, quizzes, and podcasts on the science of living a meaningful life. Additionally, GGSC offers free online happiness courses.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a small nonprofit rooted in the belief that all people can connect through kindness and that kindness can be taught. They work within the framework of Inspire, Empower, Act, Reflect, and Share.
Each year, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation publishes a “Make Kindness the Norm” calendar with daily tips like “Make the switch to cruelty-free products” (September 2023) and “Refrain from complaining today” (August 2023). They also offer a free Kindness at Work Calendar with monthly themes such as humor, connection, and purpose, as well as a Kindness Calendar for Schools.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers additional resources for kindness in the classroom, in the workplace, and at home, including quote collections, free printables, classroom lessons, articles, and more.
To conclude, kindness is meant to be spread, and there are many ways to accomplish this. Whether you opt to create your own kindness calendar or print off a readymade version, kindness calendars are a great way to incorporate kindness into your daily life and to feel happier.
I encourage you to choose a kindness calendar that speaks to you and commit to using it. I also challenge you to get creative with your acts of kindness; the possibilities are endless!
Even the smallest acts of compassion can have a big impact and make a difference in the world. Together, we can make the world a kinder place.
I encourage you to share your acts of kindness or a resource for happiness or self-care in the comments below!
I’ve been on a self-love journey, which inspired me to start the bathroom affirmation project. Self-affirmations are a powerful tool for enhancing self-efficacy and self-compassion. They can also help improve resourcefulness, enhance the ability to solve problems, reduce stress, and even promote pro-social behaviors.
Public bathrooms are often decorated with graffiti proclaiming things like “Kelsey was here” or “TJ + MM = Love Forever.” I thought it might be refreshing to see positive affirmations instead of “Call for a good time.”
To avoid leaving permanent marks, I decided to print affirmations on cardstock paper to tape to the walls of bathroom stalls. My hope is that the bathroom affirmations will spread positivity and inspire women everywhere to love themselves.
Create Your Own Bathroom Affirmation Kit
You can easily create your own bathroom affirmation kit to help spread the love.
Materials Needed:
Cardstock paper
Scissors
Double-sided tape
My bathroom affirmation kit
Make your own cards with handwritten affirmations, or download, print, and cut out the cards below:
Here are some additional quotes and ideas for affirmation cards:
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” -Ayn Rand
I am not my mistakes or my past.
“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” -Mae Jemison (American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut)
My life is full of potential.
“Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Today, I will treat myself with kindness and compassion.
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” -Marilyn Monroe
I am writing my own story.
“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” -L. M. Montgomery (Author of Anne of Green Gables)
I believe in the person I am and the person I am becoming.
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” Oprah Winfrey
I am the key to my own happiness.
“No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.” -Brene Brown
I am learning and growing every day.
“I am deeply grateful for all that I have, and all that I am.” -Louise Hay (American motivational author, professional speaker, and AIDS advocate)
You can also buy cards on Temu or Amazon. I like the Power Thought Cards: A 64 Card Deck by Louise Hay. (Disclaimer: The link below is an affiliate link and I receive a small commission from purchases.)
I keep my bathroom affirmation kit in my purse, so I always have it with me when I leave the house.
What are your thoughts on the bathroom affirmation project? I’d love to hear from you! And if you decide to create your own kit, I’d love to know more and/or see pics.
References
Albalooshi, S., Moeini-Jazani, M., Fennis, B. M., & Warlop, L. (2020). Reinstating the resourceful self: When and how self-affirmations improve executive performance of the powerless. Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(2), 189–203. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167219853840
Creswell, J. D., Dutcher, J. M., Klein, W. M., Harris, P. R., & Levine, J. M. (2013). Self-affirmation improves problem-solving under stress. PloS One, 8(5), e62593. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062593
Dutcher, J. M., Eisenberger, N. I., Woo, H., Klein, W. M. P., Harris, P. R., Levine, J. M., & Creswell, J. D. (2020). Neural mechanisms of self-affirmation’s stress buffering effects. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 15(10), 1086–1096. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsaa042
Lindsay, E. K., & Creswell, J. D. (2014). Helping the self help others: Self-affirmation increases self-compassion and pro-social behaviors. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00421
All about social anxiety, including triggers, symptoms, risk factors, and treatments, plus 7 strategies for coping with “in-the-moment” social anxiety.
In this post, I’ll define and describe social anxiety, list its triggers and risk factors, and discuss treatment options as well as coping strategies for overcoming social anxiety disorder.
Alternatively, you can watch the YouTube version below:
Anxiety’s Adventures in Social-land
With social anxiety, every social interaction is an adventure of sorts; you’re in “flight-or-fight” mode, prepped to face the danger that lies ahead… which is telling the waiter what you’ll have for dinner. Once again, your sneaky brain has tricked your body into preparing for a battle when you only need to answer the question, “Would you like fries with that?”
This article is written from both a professional and personal point of view, as I was extremely shy as a child and struggled with social anxiety in adolescence and as a young adult.
What Is Social Anxiety?
People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) experience a persistent fear of social situations in which they fear they’ll be scrutinized and humiliated. This fear leads to avoidance, impacting their ability to make friends, go to school, get a job, and be successful at work.
Examples of anxiety-provoking triggers include:
Walking into an unfamiliar place such as a gas station or store
Using a public bathroom when someone else is there
Being asked to self-introduce in front of a group
Entering a room full of people
Eating in public
Having to ask for directions or help
Speaking with an authority figure
Giving a presentation
Going on a date
Using public transportation
Being the center of attention
It convinces you that every situation will have a terrible outcome. It convinces you that everyone sees you in the worst light.
A distinguishing characteristic of social anxiety is that the anxiety response is disproportionate to the trigger or event. For example, while it’s normal to feel somewhat anxious before making a speech or meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time, it’s not normal to experience intense fear or distress.
The following are signs of social anxiety:
Blushing
Sweating
Stuttering
Rapid heartrate
Avoiding eating and/or drinking in public
Avoiding using public restrooms
Limiting eye contact
Submissiveness
Speaking in a soft or slow voice
Rigid body posture
Self-medicating with alcohol or other substances (e.g., drinking before a party to alleviate anxiety symptoms)
Diverting attention to others
Coming off as arrogant or aloof
Being highly controlling of the conversation
Hoarseness or vocal changes when speaking
Feeling restless or irritable
Fidgeting
Presenting with extreme poise
Increased empathy
Social anxiety is often misunderstood and underrecognized. SAD is different from simply preferring to avoid social events. People with social anxiety may enjoy social gatherings where they feel comfortable and safe, such as with close friends or family members. However, they may avoid other enjoyable social events due to their anxiety.
Social anxiety disorder can feel like being under a spotlight. The spotlight is uncomfortable and the person with SAD may go to great lengths to avoid it and not “get caught.” A person with social anxiety feels embarrassed about being embarrassed.
Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.
Albert Camus
Additionally, people with SAD may not seem anxious, even to those who know them well. This is because they have learned to hide their anxiety or disguise it as something else, such as disinterest or aloofness. They may become withdrawn or overcompensate for their anxiety by being overly talkative and dominating the conversation. They may seem the opposite of anxious, completely poised or arrogant even, having trained themselves to not appear anxious.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Social Anxiety?
In the United States, social anxiety disorder affects approximately 7% of the population, with higher rates in women and younger adults. Rates of SAD decrease with age.
The typical onset of social anxiety disorder is in childhood between the ages of 11 and 13. It often starts as shyness but can also develop in response to a significant humiliating event, such as being bullied or having an accident in public. Although less common, SAD can develop in adulthood, usually in response to stress or a major life change.
There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of SAD including:
Genetics: People with a family history of SAD or other anxiety disorders are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Environmental factors: Parents who act anxious or nervous are modeling this for their children.
Personality: Children who tend to be nervous or shy in new situations as well as children who fear rejection or punishment are more likely to develop social anxiety. A tendency to experience negative emotions, poor self-concept, and introversion are also associated with SAD.
Perfectionism: There is an association between perfectionism and SAD. Some people with SAD attempt to hide their symptoms by presenting as perfectly as they can.
How Is Social Anxiety Treated?
Treatment interventions for social anxiety disorder include medication and psychotherapy.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are first-line pharmacological treatments for SAD. Another type of medication, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), can be prescribed to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety. They work by blocking adrenaline, which reduces a person’s heartrate and helps with tremors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are effective therapeutic approaches for managing SAD, especially when combined with medication.
Complementary treatment interventions include exercise and mindfulness-based interventions.
In-the-Moment Coping Strategies for Social Anxiety Disorder
If you have social anxiety, there are a number of in-the-moment coping strategies that can help you manage your anxiety. Here are a few examples:
Self-talk: Talk to yourself in a positive and reassuring way. Tell yourself that whatever you’re facing can’t hurt you. (And you won’t die from embarrassment.) You can also try repeating a mantra to yourself, such as “This is nothing I can’t handle” or “I’ve been through worse and survived” to get yourself through the situation.
Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes: When you feel embarrassed about something you said or did, remember that everyone makes mistakes or experiences social awkwardness from time to time. And don’t forget how quickly people forget. Hours or even minutes from now they’re not going to be thinking about you, so don’t dwell on it or let it ruin your day.
Learn to laugh at yourself: Laughing at yourself can help you to take yourself less seriously and to see the humor in the situation. This can help to reduce your anxiety by making you feel more relaxed.
Talk about it: Although it may seem counterproductive, some people find it helpful to purposely bring attention to their symptoms and/or condition. This takes the power away from your anxiety. For example, before a presentation lead with, “Bear with me, public speaking makes me anxious” or if you’re worried about blushing say, “I’m little anxious right now so I might blush.” You’ll find that most people are sympathetic.
Play the “so what” game: This is a helpful strategy for challenging your negative and/or distorted thoughts. When you’re feeling anxious, ask yourself, “So what?” What’s the worst that could happen? Once you’ve identified the worst-case scenario, you’ll realize that it’s not as bad as you thought it was.
“Dim” the spotlight: This is an avoidance strategy, not a long-term solution, but it can help you survive when you’re overwhelmed. Try to find ways to make yourself less noticeable. This could mean standing behind a podium, sitting instead of standing, or (literally) dimming the lights. You may actually build confidence this way to the point where you no longer need to make yourself less noticeable.
Bring a buddy: Sometimes it can be helpful to have someone with you for moral support. If you’re going to be in a social situation where you’re feeling anxious, have a friend or family member tag along. This can help you to feel more confident and less alone.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so experiment until you find what helps you the most.
To conclude, social anxiety disorder can be debilitating, but there are effective treatments for SAD as well as coping strategies for managing symptoms. You may have SAD, but that doesn’t mean you are SAD.
Be kind to yourself. Have self-compassion. Forgive yourself for mistakes and forgive your brain for betraying your body. You have social anxiety. So what? With time and effort, you can remake yourself and overcome.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
Evans, R., Chiu, K., Clark, D. M., Waite, P., & Leigh, E. (2021). Safety behaviours in social anxiety: An examination across adolescence. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 144, 103931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2021.103931
Gilboa-Schechtman, E., & Shachar-Lavie, I. (2013). More than a face: a unified theoretical perspective on nonverbal social cue processing in social anxiety. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 904. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00904
Li, J., Cai, Z., Li, X., Du, R., Shi, Z., Hua, Q., Zhang, M., Zhu, C., Zhang, L., & Zhan, X. (2021). Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 10(7), 7596–7612. https://doi.org/10.21037/apm-21-1212
National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). Social Anxiety Disorder: Recognition, Assessment and Treatment. Leicester (UK): British Psychological Society (UK); 2013. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 159.) 6, INTERVENTIONS FOR ADULTS. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK327654/
Pelissolo, A., Abou Kassm, S., & Delhay, L. (2019). Therapeutic strategies for social anxiety disorder: Where are we now? Expert Rev Neurother, 19(12), 1179-1189. doi: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1666713
Pittelkow, M. M., Aan Het Rot, M., Seidel, L. J., Feyel, N., & Roest, A. M. (2021). Social Anxiety and Empathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 78, 102357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102357
Stonerock, G. L., Hoffman, B. M., Smith, P. J., & Blumenthal, J. A. (2015). Exercise as treatment for anxiety: Systematic review and analysis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine : A Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 49(4), 542–556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-014-9685-9
Have you ever crossed a bridge and seen the sides covered in tiny padlocks? These little “lovelocks” are a global phenomenon, and they can be found on bridges in large cities all over the world. You can also find them on fences, sculptures, lampposts, etc. Nowadays, pretty much anything that will sustain a lock is fair game.
Some of the locks have initials, names, or hearts carved into them, and they are latched there by couples to symbolize their love and commitment to each other. Then, the key is thrown away to represent their unbreakable bond; a padlock that will remain locked forever.
The tradition of lovelocks is thought to have originated in the early 1900s in Serbia, where an unfortunate young woman, Nada, lost her lover. He went to war in Greece and fell in love with another woman, leaving Nada to die of heartbreak. As a result, the women in the town started protecting their love by inscribing their names and the names of their loved ones on locks and fastening them to the bridge where Nada would meet with her lover. The tradition has since become a trend in countries all over the world.
One of the most famous lovelock destinations is located in Paris: the Pont des Arts bridge. The Parisian tradition started around 2008 shortly after it gained popularity in Italy, where it was made fashionable by the Italian film I Want You. Subsequently, 6 years later in 2014, part of the Pont des Arts collapsed under the weight of over 700,000 padlocks.
The damaged structure was rebuilt with glass panels, leaving no way to attach locks. City officials came up with other creative (non-damaging) ways for couples to express their devotion, such as taking selfies and posting them with the hashtag #lovewithoutlocks. Lovers still travel from all over to see the bridge and pledge their love to each other.
The idea of a lovelocked bridge in Paris is romantic. But when I was there going through a marital separation, I developed a distaste for the practice. The locks seemed like a superficial way to show love, and I couldn’t help but see them as a symbol of broken promises. I also thought about the weight of the locks, both figuratively and literally.
The “I Love You” Wall
I didn’t pay a visit to the Pont des Arts, but I visited the Wall of Love, also known as the “I Love You” Wall, which features the phrase in over 300 different languages. The wall is located in Paris’s Jehan-Rictus Square and was created by the artist Frédéric Baron. The “I Love You” Wall is where my cynical thinking started.
A photo I took of the “I Love You” Wall in Paris
The area was crawling with street merchants selling lovelocks, their cries of “A lock for your love!” screeching in my ears.
Fed up with being hassled to buy a 20-euro lock (the sort a 10-year-old girl might use for protecting secrets in her diary), I imagined various scenarios in which I would respond to the next merchant with feigned earnestness: “Do I get a refund if he breaks up with me?” “Do you have divorce ones? And those would be half-priced, right?” “Will it work on a stranger, or do they have to already be in a relationship with me?” “Is there a limit on how many I can use at once?”
I would pick away at the symbolism and absurdity of the lovelock, all to entertain myself.
Love-mocks, Love-blocks, Love-shocks
Although truly, what happens when a “lovelocked” couple breaks up, a relationship ends, or a once-happy marriage falls apart? For example, does Mary “cheated-on-by-her-now-ex-husband” Smith think about their traitorous lovelock somewhere out there, once a metaphor for love, now symbolic of what could have been or perhaps just a symbol of grief? The lovelock tradition is seen as a romantic gesture, but for some, the lovelock becomes a reminder of a lost love, a source of pain or sadness.
And how many of the lovelocks out there are representative not of love but failed relationships, abusive partnerships, or broken hearts? The stats aren’t great. More than 85% of dating relationships lead to breakups and most daters feel like their dating lives aren’t going well or that it’s hard to find people to date. The average length of a relationship is less than 3 years. The average marriage lasts approximately 8 years, and nearly half of first marriages end in divorce with even higher divorce rates for second and third marriages.
What’s more, who’s to say that the people who stay together are in a healthy partnership? 1 in 4 women experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. In fact, every minute that goes by, 20 people on average are physically abused by a partner in the United States.
So really, how many of those locks represent love? It’s not romantic; it’s tragic.
And then, think about all the lovelocks that were removed to prevent structural damage, as was the fate of hundreds of padlocks at Pont des Arts. Or, what if your lock was one of the padlocks that led to structural collapse. What does that symbolize? That love is a destructive force or one that isn’t meant to last?
Finally, I thought about the dark side of the “forever locked” concept. By throwing away the key, couples are essentially locking themselves into the relationship. This could be a dangerous thing, as people and relationships change over time. Should love be viewed in such finite terms?
The Self-Lovelock
Love is not a lock. In fact, there’s nothing less romantic than thinking about a relationship as a prison. True love is given freely, no strings (or locks) attached, and it’s not binding. Not only that, but the lock concept limits the potential of love by viewing it as an object. Love is not a thing, but an experience that is shared. It can’t be forced or coerced; it’s something we choose.
This is when the realization came that a lovelock may still have a beautiful purpose, for while some loves are temporary, there is a type of love that should be the “forever” sort. Self-love should be protected and nurtured at all costs. No matter what happens in life, as long as you’re living, it’s worth investing in yourself. Besides that, self-love is the foundation of all other relationships.
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
Oscar Wilde
After my epiphany, I was inspired to remake the lovelock concept in a way that would promote self-love. Here are five fun and creative ways you can embrace self-love with a lovelock:
1. Keep the key
Buy a lock and decorate it with your own personal touch or have it engraved to your liking. When you travel to a meaningful place, attach your lock to something that will last, perhaps a landmark or a bridge. But keep the key.
The key is a symbol of your power. It’s a reminder that you hold the key to your happiness and fate. You can choose to dwell on your mistakes or to forgive yourself, learn, and move forward. It’s up to you.
The key is a symbol of your worth. The key can also remind you that no one can make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them. You hold the key to your sense of self and your self-worth. Keep the key close, wear it as a necklace, or put it somewhere safe as a daily reminder that you are in control of your life. Let it remind you that you are worthy of love and respect.
2. Keep the lock too
Another option is to keep both lock and key. This is a more sustainable way to participate in a self-lovelock tradition, and it has a deeper symbolic meaning.
The lock represents your self-love, while the key represents your commitment to it. By keeping both, you are reminding yourself that you are worthy of love and that you are committed to loving yourself unconditionally.
Once again, you can wear as jewelry or keep in a safe place that you can see as a daily reminder. Let it remind you of your commitment to self-love and of the importance of loving yourself first.
3. Create your own self-love tradition
Find a special place that you can visit regularly to reaffirm your commitment to self-care. Perhaps it’s somewhere in nature, a place that brings you peace, a spot that holds fond memories, or even a place you’ve created specifically for this purpose.
Once a year, attach a new lock to this place as a symbol of your ongoing journey of self-love. You can do this alone or with a loved one, as long as the experience is meaningful to you.
Be sure to choose a place that is likely to remain accessible to you for years to come. This way, you can return to whenever you need a reminder of your commitment to self-care.
4. Give lovelocks freely
When you practice self-compassion, you’re better prepared to meet the challenges of life, knowing that you can count on yourself. Your capacity to love others actually increases. By choosing to love yourself unconditionally, you’ll have more compassion for those around you.
Lovelocks are symbols of self-love. When you see someone who is struggling, offer them a lovelock as a gesture of kindness and support. Share about the concept of a self-lovelock and how it can serve as a daily reminder to slow down, attend to needs, and practice self-compassion. Let them know that they are not alone.
5. Share the self-love message with others
Leave a self-lovelock on a bridge or other structure where lovelocks are common. This is a great way to spread the message of self-love and to inspire others to embrace their own worth.
Personalize your lock with a message about self-love. You can write or engrave your lock with a quote, a mantra, or simply the words “self-love.”
Leave the key in the lock or even leave an extra lock so that others can take it if they need it. This is kind gesture showing that you are willing to share your love with others.
Your self-lovelock will be a reminder to others that they are worthy of love and happiness. It will serve as an inspiration to all who see it.
Final Thoughts
To close, I’m not actually against the idea of lovelocks. They can be a fun and cute gesture, but they are ultimately just that: a gesture. They can be easily broken or lost and they’re not a guarentee of love or committment.
I believe that the self-lovelock is different; it’s a powerful symbol of self-compassion and healing. It is a reminder that you are worthy of love, and it can be a source of motivation when we are struggling.
I think there should be a Wall of Self-Love. This would be a place of inspiration where people could share their self-affirmations, messages of support, and mantras that have helped them through tough times. It would serve as a powerful reminder that it is not selfish to care for yourself, and that you should be proud to share this message with others.
This a list of 40 of the best apps for mental health and wellness. These top-rated apps are clinically proven to reduce symptoms and/or improve wellbeing.
For more evidence-based apps, visit One Mind PsyberGuide, a non-profit organization that evaluates mental health apps and then rates them based on credibility, user experience, transparency, and professional reviews.
Start by entering your sobriety date and then calculate how much you typically spend on your habit per day. You’re prompted to enter why you want to stay sober. Next, make a pledge to yourself and start tracking sober days. This app tracks not only sober time, but money saved by abstaining.
From the App Store: “Along with tracking your sober days, it helps you build new habits and provides ongoing motivation by connecting you to a wide network of people all striving for the same goal: staying sober one day at a time.”
A mobile sober community for connecting with others in recovery. Customize your experience based on your personal goals by answering questions such as “Are you in recovery?” and “Are you currently using/drinking, but want to stop?” or “Are you unsure if you even have a problem?” Connect with friends via your contact list, search for people nearby, track your sobriety date, and chat or post comments.
*Professional consultation and recovery coaching available for a fee.
Designed for Veterans, Stay Quit Coach is designed to help Veterans and others quit smoking for good.
From the App Store: “Stay Quit Coach is based on an integrated care manual for Veterans with PTSD who smoke cigarettes. It offers information, a breathing exercise, coping plans based on the “Ask, Advise, Replace, Mentally Cope” (AARM) model, motivational messages, medication reminders, money-saved calculator, and resources to stay quit. The app is can be used on its own, but for maximum benefit use Stay Quit Coach with the help of a counselor or health care provider.”
Also designed for Veterans, VetChange is a mobile app that can help users with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) build skills to reduce problem drinking. The app offers proven self-help tools to help not only Veterans and active services members, but anyone with PTSD who wants to manage their drinking.
Daylio is a self-care bullet journal app for tracking your mood and monitoring your goals.
From the App Store: “Daylio is a very versatile app, and you can turn it in whatever you need to track: A fitness goal pal, a mental health coach, a food log, a gratitude diary, or a mood tracker. Exercise, meditate, eat, and be grateful. Take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety.”
An app from GGTude for building confidence and developing self-esteem. The daily science-backed exercises also help with depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.
Scientifically-proven methods for breaking old patterns and creating new, healthier habits. Find your happiness score. Use tools, activities, and games to gradually improve your mental health and increase happiness.
From the App Store: “MindShift CBT is a free self-help anxiety relief app, that helps you reduce worry, stress, and panic by following evidence-based strategies. Using CBT tools, you can challenge negativity, learn more about anxiety, develop more effective ways of thinking, be mindful, and relax.
Learn about the different CBT strategies, including writing thought journals, challenging yourself with belief experiments, building fear ladders, and doing comfort zone challenges. Listen to calming audio to reframe your thoughts, practice mindfulness, and stay grounded. Participate in the MindShift CBT Community Forum: share stories, learn about others’ experiences, and provide peer advice in a safe environment. All the exercises are presented in small chunks with plenty of supporting information to help you naturally integrate these strategies with the rest of your life.”
An app to help monitor and manage mental health with self-help techniques to help with anxiety, depression, loneliness and coping. SAM is informed by clinical best practice and academic research.
From the App Store: “SuperBetter builds resilience – the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic even in the face of life’s challenges. Playing SuperBetter unlocks heroic potential to overcome tough situations and achieve goals that matter most.
SuperBetter is validated in published studies to build resilience, improve mental health, and support recovery.
In randomized controlled and clinical trials conducted at University of Pennsylvania and The Ohio State University, playing SuperBetter was associated with improvements in resilience, mental health, and social emotional skills. Published meta-analyses show its effectiveness for reducing anxiety and depression.”
An app designed for use by patients and their behavioral health providers as an accessory to treatment. The VHB contains simple tools to help patients with coping, relaxation, distraction, and positive thinking. Patients and providers can collaborate to personalize the VHB content based on the patient’s specific needs and treatment goals.
Chat with Woebot and learn CBT and DBT skills to combat depression and anxiety. Woebot helps you to monitor your mood and develop self-awareness.
From the App Store: “Woebot was built on a foundation of clinical evidence, and studies show that it works. In a clinical trial involving 400 participants, Woebot users showed a 32% reduction in depression and a 38% reduction in anxiety after just four weeks.”
Wysa is an emotionally intelligent chatbot that uses AI to react to the emotions you express. Unlock techniques that help you cope with challenges.
From the App Store: “Talking to Wysa is empathetic, helpful, and will never judge. Your identity will remain anonymous and your conversations are privacy protected.”
Designed for Veterans with PTSD, this is a companion app for individuals participating in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) with a licensed mental health professional. The app contains support materials for a complete course of CPT to help patients manage their treatment, including between session assignments, mobile versions of CPT worksheets, readings, and PTSD symptom monitoring.
PE Coach is designed to be used during prolonged exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with a licensed mental health professional. The app provides therapist-assigned exercises and allows users to track and record progress. In addition, the app provides techniques such as controlled breathing to help decrease distress.
Designed for Veterans and individuals with PTSD, this app provides education about PTSD, information about professional care, a self-assessment for PTSD, opportunities to find support, and tools for managing stress such as relaxation skills and positive self-talk.
This app offers a self-help course based on Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), an evidence-based psychotherapy that uses cognitive and behavioral techniques to help with managing emotions and relationships. It can be helpful for individuals with PTSD.
Developed for Veterans, this is a companion app for people who are engaged in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia with a health provider, or who have experienced symptoms of insomnia and would like to improve their sleep habits. The app offers information and tips for developing positive sleep routines and improving sleep environments to help alleviate symptoms of insomnia.
Designed for Veterans, service members, and individuals with insomnia, this app offers weekly guided training plans, a sleep coach that provides feedback, an interactive sleep diary, and 17 additional tools for improving sleep.
From the App Store: “This app is based on scientific research about how people can change their behaviors and thoughts to improve their sleep. Insomnia Coach is designed to be used daily for 5 weeks by following the Training Plan. After that, you can continue using the app to track your sleep and maintain good sleep habits.”
From the App Store: “iBreathe is a simple yet powerful app to guide you through deep breathing exercises and breathwork. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, insomnia, or are trying to meditate and relax, iBreathe provides an easy-to-use beautifully designed user interface.”
Developed for Veterans and services members, this app provides a gradual, self-guided training program for understanding and adopting mindfulness practice. Mindfulness Coach also offers a library of information about mindfulness, 12 audio-guided exercises, and a catalog of additional exercises available for download.
ACT Coach was developed for Veterans, service members, and individuals who are participating in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with a therapist. The app offers exercises, tools, information, and tracking logs.
Designed for Veterans and military service members, but can be used by anyone with anger problems. The AIMS app is based on the Anger and Irritability Management Skills online self-help course (http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/aims/) and provides education about anger, opportunities for finding support, the ability to create an anger management plan, anger tracking, and tools to help manage angry reactions.
This app offers helpful questions, statements, and ideas for improving your relationship with 14 card decks and over 1,000 flashcards.
From the App Store: “As the world’s most trusted relationship company, our mission is to improve people’s lives through products and programs that educate, inspire, and heal. Our approach to relationships is based on more than four decades of ongoing research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. We serve couples and parents directly while providing world-class training to the professionals who support them, and we are committed to making our services accessible to everyone.”
An app for managing recovery from eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. This app is also intended for individuals with general eating, weight, and shape concerns.
BEST APPS FOR MENTAL HEALTH: PAID & SUBSCRIPTION APPS
A 100% online therapy service that matches you to a provider.
From the App Store: “Facing obstacles alone can be daunting – receiving support and guidance from a professional therapist has been shown to make huge, positive changes to help you overcome personal challenges. When you sign up we’ll match you to an available therapist who fits your objectives, preferences and the type of issues you’re dealing with. Different therapists have different approaches and areas of expertise so we’ll work with you to find the right person who can achieve the best results for you.
There are over 20,000 therapists on BetterHelp, each with at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. They are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (Ph.D./PsyD), marriage and family therapists (MFT), clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional therapists (LPC), or similar credentials.
Together you’ll work towards making a positive change in your life, accomplishing your goals, and overcoming your problems.”
Science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools to reduce stress and anxiety. Access guided meditation, articles, and videos to help with mood, energy, and sleep.
From the App Store: “Moodfit provides the most comprehensive set of tools for good mental health, and helps you understand what brings your mood up and down.”
WAYS TO USE MOOD FIT
As a mood journal to bring awareness to and better understand your mood.
To work on a set of personalized daily goals that are your daily mental health workout that include good practices like gratitude, breathwork and mindfulness.
To reinforce positive messages and create new habits that boost your mood.
To process distorted thinking that is causing emotional discomfort using CBT techniques.
To keep a gratitude journal that can change your brain to see more of the positive in life.
To do breathing exercises to quickly increase a sense of calm.
To learn and practice mindfulness meditation that can reduce stress.
To understand the relationship between your mood and lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, nutrition and work.
To track any custom variables you want to understand how they affect your mood, e.g. your hydration, caffeine intake or interactions with particular people.
To track your mood-related medications and better understand what is working.
To take mental health assessments like PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) and see how they change over time.
To receive educational content and inspiration about topics like rumination, procrastination, and motivation.
This app is an evidence-based tool for reducing symptoms of depression with CBT techniques and activities such as challenging irrational or self-defeating thoughts, tracking moods, and journaling (Moodnotes).
MoodMission is clinically-proven tool for coping with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Tell the app how you’re feeling to receive 5 evidence-based “Missions” to improve your mood and earn rewards.
From the App Store: “MoodMission is based in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based psychological therapy for anxiety and depression. Anyone can use MoodMission, whether you just want a lift in your day or need a bit more help recovering from anxiety or depression.”
Backed by over 10 years of clinical research, Personal Zen’s core therapeutic mechanism of action is a game-based approach to Attention Bias Modification (ABM). To reduce symptoms of distress and anxiety, play this mobile game 4 times per week for at least 4 weeks.
From the App Store: “Replika is for anyone who wants a friend with no judgment, drama, or social anxiety involved. You can form an actual emotional connection, share a laugh, or get real with an AI that’s so good it almost seems human.
Replika is an AI friend that is just as unique as you are. The more you chat, the more Replika develops its own personality and memories alongside you, the more it learns: teach Replika about the world and yourself, help it explore human relationships and grow into a machine so beautiful that a soul would want to live in it. You also get to decide if you want Replika to be your friend, romantic partner or mentor.
Replika can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, track your mood, learn coping skills, calm anxiety and work toward goals like positive thinking, stress management, socializing and finding love. Improve your mental well-being with Replika.”
Sanvello is clinically proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
From the App Store: “Whether you’re feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed, or just burned out, Sanvello will meet you where you’re at. Think of it as your feel-better toolkit, including therapy, coaching, coping techniques, meditations, and goal and mood tracking, designed by experts to help you feel better.”
An app for managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance abuse. Play for 3 minutes a day, 3 days a week, and experience clinical improvement within 6 weeks.
From the App Store: “Visit Socks for a few minutes a few times a week or whenever you need that immediate relief or non -judgmental support. Enabling self-reliance is simple and fun when working with Socks who will holistically guide you through exercises in managing your stress, dealing with challenges and practicing a variety of proven techniques. Empower yourself as you learn which of these skills will work for you.”
Similar to BetterHelp, with Talkspace, you undergo a brief assessment to get matched with a provider before starting online therapy. Talkspace also offers psychiatry services.
From the App Store: “The Talkspace provider network has thousands of licensed therapists across the 50 U.S. states who have been vetted and accredited according to NCQA standards. They have experience treating the most common mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, stress, relationships, PTSD, and more.
Talkspace has been shown to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. In one recent study, 81% of participants felt Talkspace is as effective or better than in-person therapy. In another, individuals who used Talkspace for only 2 months significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
UpLift is a self-help app for depression and anxiety that was developed by expert psychologists and leaders from the field of mobile mental health. It utilizes CBT, an evidence-based practice.
From the App Store: “UpLift provides you with 11 interactive psychology sessions that are around 45 minutes long each week. In the sessions, you’ll be answering questions, doing self care exercises, and getting customized feedback and guidance to strengthen your well-being.”
Calm is a mindful meditation app with a free version that offers limited sessions, but you can purchase a subscription for unlimited access to guided meditations, sleep stories, breathwork exercises, music, and more.
Additional Paid & Subscription Apps for Mental Health
A health and mood tracker app backed by scientific review.
From the App Store: “Bearable was launched to help people to understand the impact of different treatments and medication on common health issues such as anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue.
Bearable helps you discover what’s really making your health better and worse. Our simple, customizable health tracking tools empower you to understand the correlation between anything you do and the impact it has on your health.
By learning what affects your mood, symptoms, sleep, and energy, you can have more control over your health and wellness, more information for your doctor, and more tools to manage triggers, treatments, and flare-ups.”
Designed by a licensed clinical psychologist to help individuals receiving DBT treatment or to refresh previously learned skills.
Bonus:MyMentalHealth.org on the App Store is a new, free app that offers a 28-day addiction program, assessments for substance use and PTSD, and 365 days of recovery support. The app is completely confidential and self-directed. (Click here for more information.) Thanks to Shaun Garber for recommending this resource!
