5 min read
By MEDIAGIRLS
Almost everywhere we look in the media we hear about the “evils” of technology, spiking anxiety and stress in girls and young women. We’re not going to lie, there’s a lot of truth to that, and it’s a big part of our focus at MEDIAGIRLS. But more and more we’re also seeing new apps and technology that can boost girls’ well-being and confidence. We asked our Youth Advisory Board, comprised of teen girls, and a few of our college volunteers, for their favorite apps and here’s what they reported.
Suggestion by Amari V.
It’s extremely helpful not only in tracking your period and logging your symptoms, but it also has helpful articles about how to relieve stress, I love that it has a bunch of helpful tips about alleviating symptoms from professionals. I think it’s an amazing app, and unlike most apps, most of the features are available without premium.
Headspace (meditation app)
Suggestion by Olivia K.
I like this app because it does not require too much from me. It is a simple process with easy-to-follow instructions. I have not been using it for that long, but when I do use it, I am quickly more relaxed and have a clearer perspective on my stressors. You can meditate for a short or longer amount of time–it all depends on what suits you. I have found it to be practical and realistically something that I can use every day.
Suggestion by Claire G.
I like this app because it has so many options! When the world feels a little too much, we should all remember to close our eyes and breathe. Not everyone feels comfortable or enjoys the coping mechanism of meditation, and the #SelfCare app acknowledges that. They give you the option to pet a cat, or sort laundry, and throughout the app give you affirmations. I also like how it’s customizable, and you can adjust it to your preferences.
Suggestion by Hannah S. (MEDIAGIRLS college volunteer)
I love Youper, and here’s how Youper describes it: “A psychiatrist, a software engineer, and a designer created Youper to be the first-responder for emotional health issues for people all over the world and to ensure that no one has to wait years to address their issues.”
Suggestion by Rebecca H. (MEDIAGIRLS college volunteer)
I use f.lux on all of my devices! It dims the screen and eliminates the blue tint, keeps my eyes from getting tired (and stopped headaches) on the computer all day at work!
Bonus Feel-good Tunes on YouTube and Spotify apps:
“Headphones” by Gacha Studio
Suggestion by Annika W.
I watch this when I’m sad. It reminds me that I am loved and that I matter. It’s an upbeat catchy song with a good message. I like this video specifically because of A) the song, and B) the animations are pretty simple and most people could probably do them. Often, I recommend this song for other people to listen to when they are sad because I know it helps me and it might help them too.
“Thank You, Next” by Ariana Grande
Suggestion by Sarah E.
Love that this video tells girls to not get hung up over a guy and focus on yourself. Make things happen for you and don’t wait for other people. The lyrics are so catchy and fun to sing along with.
“Happier” by Ed Sheeran, and “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars
Suggestion by Lehna B.
These songs are sad but personally, they help me feel better. If there are girls out there that have a similar personality as me, these songs will help you. Especially if you are feeling bad about yourself, just listen to these songs and I am pretty sure that it will help you.
“Believe in Me” (or any song) by Demi Lovato
Suggestion by Nicole F.
Spotify is definitely one of the apps that I have used for a long time. It allows me to calm down and listen to music that I like. On Spotify, you can find many artists who are very empowering to girls. For instance, Jennifer Lopez and Demi Lovato are a couple that put me in a better mood.
This piece was originally published on MEDIAGIRLS.ORG and is republished with permission. Michelle Cove is the Executive Director of MEDIAGIRLS®, a nonprofit organization that teaches girls how to critique the way girls and women are portrayed in pop culture with an emphasis on creating empowering content.
She is also an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and author whose projects have been featured on numerous national platforms including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Katie Couric’s talk show “Katie,” “The Today Show,” The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
Visit www.mediagirls.org to learn more.
Comments 4
L Charles
I’m a psychotherapist working full time in a secondary school in London (UK). Here are some Apps which are useful:
Stop Breathe Think – students like this because you can check in and the app will respond with suggestions for short guided meditations. They find the meditations very useful.
Calm.com which has lovely sounds and pictures that are soothing and relaxing. They have a section with “sleep stories” which range from fairy takes to true stories read by a variety of people. They also have online courses to help with stress of anxiety. There is a lovely book with interactive sections and pages for journaling.
The National Health Service has helped develop two apps for young people:
Chill Panda. This includes simple games, Poga (panda yoga) and square breathing.
And
Cove app. This is a musical composition app. Very cool.
If you are looking for Bob electronic ideas, I recommend creative activities such as the wonderful Kerri Smith’s Wreck This Journal; Mess and This is Not A Book, and more. The Anti Colouring Book is great to help self expression.
Dorothy Ponton, Digital Marketing Manager
Thanks for these recommendations.
Heather Casstevens Moeller
I love these resources. My daughters and I just downloaded Youper. So useful! Thank you for bringing it to our awareness 🙂
Dorothy Ponton, Digital Marketing Manager
You’re welcome! Those MEDIAGIRLS advisory board members are on point, aren’t they?