First responders are under a tremendous amount of stress. Finding even just a few minutes to process and refocus oneself after an intense moment or interaction can have a huge positive benefit on a person’s well being. Mindfulness and meditation do just that–help you stay grounded in the moment.

What are Mindfulness and Meditation?

Simply put, Mindfulness is allowing the moment to just be, without judging it.  Allowing yourself to be fully immersed in only what you are doing, not allowing the past (rumination) to affect the moment, and not using the moment to plan, worry or stress about the future.  If the current moment is not wonderful, that’s okay as well, just allow for it to simply be. We all have highs and we all have lows.

Meditation is closely linked to the larger concept of mindfulness, and is the process of refocusing the mind on the present moment. Different methods can work better for some people than others, so if you’ve tried meditating in the past and it hasn’t worked for you, don’t be afraid to give it another try with a different approach.

Finding the Right Meditation Practice for You

There are tons of resources online and in print (meditation has been around for, you know, thousands of years), but in today’s digital age finding mobile tools can be especially helpful, since most of us have our phones with us 24/7, putting help right at our fingertips.

We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best mindfulness and meditation apps available. Check them out below, and get ready to find some peace next time you’re in a pinch.

5 Great Meditation Apps

Insight Timer

• Entirely free to users
• 5 star rating
• 30,000 pre-recorded guided meditation sessions
• Refine sessions based on how long you have to practice
• In-app progress keeper
• Available on Apple Store and Google Play

The Mindfulness App

• Create a custom session with flexible time periods
• Select sounds like bells to for a tailored experience
• Integrate your phone’s health app
• Premium subscription unlocks full courses on developing focus
• Free, with optional in-app subscriptions of $60 for one year
• Available on Apple Store and Google Play

Simple Habit

• Focused on daily stress relief
• Lots of 5 minute sessions
• Offers sessions developed for traveling, like a morning commute program
• Easy to use, straightforward interface
• Cost: $11.99 a month
• Available on Apple Store and Google Play

Calm

• 50 million downloads with a 4.8-star rating
• Relaxed approach to helping users ease into meditative practices
• Offers special programs designed to address certain issues — anxiety, lack of sleep, stress
• Multi-sensory guided imagery
• Cost: $70 annually after a seven-day free trial
• Available on Apple Store

Abide

• #1 Christian meditation app
• Scripture-based meditations
• User-friendly design
• 50+ in-depth program guides on specific topics
• Longer daily meditations in 5, 10, and 15 minutes
• Cost: $39.99 annually after free trial
• Available on Apple Store and Google Play