The Anti-TV Guide

Can’t quite kick your phone addiction, but want to use your time online in a more resourceful way? No worries, we’ve got your mind covered. Here’s a list of our favorite guided-meditation apps, breathwork apps, and passive therapy apps–plus a few tips to help reduce screen time.

When was the last time you finished a book without your phone distracting you? Here are a few of our favorite websites to download a good book (or three!)

• Smashwords: This indie ebook distributor offers the opportunity to discover new authors and a variety of genres and categories. Just sign up for an account to access affordably priced books and over 70,000 free options.

• Google Books: This is a great option if you already know what you want to read. Say it’s Bravey by Alexi Pappas, just type that into the search bar and that ebook, along with similar books, would populate. Some even offer lengthy previews of the book that you can read prior to purchasing.  

• Your Local Library: Many libraries let you borrow ebooks for free since they typically have partnerships with digital-lending services. Likely, all you’ll need is a library card, a tablet or smartphone with the correct apps, or an ebook reader, and access to your local public library’s website. See below for a few examples:
  • Detroit Public Library: https://detroitpubliclibrary.overdrive.com/
  • Huntington Beach Public Library: https://hbpl.libguides.com/digital
  • Baltimore Public Library: https://www.bcpl.info/books-and-more/digital-library.html
  • New York Public Library: https://www.nypl.org/books-music-movies/ebookcentral/simplye

I WANT TO MEDITATE MORE

Staying mindful can be tough, especially with your favorite apps at arm’s-reach. Here are a few of our favorite apps and websites to cultivate mindfulness without saying goodbye to our phones.

• Mindful: This webpage features free 5-minute, 11-minute, and 20-minute guided-meditation audio clips from research centers like the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness, and the Mind & Life Institute to help you dip your toes in the practice of meditation.

• Tara Brach: With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a 5-year Buddhist Teacher Training Program certificate, Tara founded the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC. On her website you will find a large library of meditations for almost every aspect of life.

• Smiling Mind App: This not-for-profit app is geared toward young people and can help you practice daily meditation from your smartphone. It has helped people with stress, sleep, attention, relationships, and mindful eating.

I WANT TO EXERCISE MORE

Want to exercise more, but not enough time on your lunch break to hit your favorite gym or studio? Check out these options for the next best thing (without tossing your phone to the curb).

• Free Yoga Classes: Yoga with Adriene allows you to enjoy a variety of free yoga classes from your living room, hotel room, or wherever you are.

• Audio-Only Workouts: Aaptiv allows you to workout at home, the gym, or outside through guided workouts. You can be guided through your run, workout, yoga practice, or weight training.

• Workouts for Kids: Through interesting videos, GoNoodle gets your kids moving and helps with mindfulness and curiosity.

TIPS TO DITCH YOUR PHONE (FOR A FEW HOURS)

• Before you go to bed delete your social media apps so you don’t check them first thing in the morning

• Set a schedule for when you can watch TV or check your phone after work

• Spend more time in nature doing things you enjoy, like hiking, riding bikes, walking, or exercising

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.