Meditation has become a go-to practice for anyone looking to feel calmer, focus better, or simply take a break from everyday distractions. With so many ways to explore mindfulness, finding the right resources can make the journey easier and more enjoyable.
This guide combines some of the best podcasts, newsletters, and social media accounts dedicated to meditation and mindfulness. Whether you’re new to meditating or already have a routine, these recommendations will support you in staying consistent and getting the most out of your practice.
Best podcasts for meditation
1. The Daily Meditation Podcast
- Description: This podcast delivers daily sessions under 10 minutes for quick, guided meditations. Topics range from stress relief to building focus.
- Best for: Beginners and those short on time.
- Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
2. Ten Percent Happier
- Description: Hosted by Dan Harris, this podcast combines practical mindfulness tips with interviews featuring meditation experts and scientists. It offers relatable advice for skeptics and seasoned meditators alike.
- Best for: Those curious about the science and psychology behind mindfulness.
- Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
3. Meditation Minis Podcast
- Description: Short and sweet episodes designed to help listeners relax quickly. Perfect for reducing anxiety and improving focus on the go.
- Best For: Anyone looking for bite-sized meditation sessions.
- Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
4. The Calm Collective
- Description: A mix of guided meditations and reflections on mindfulness and self-care, hosted by Cassandra Eldridge. The tone is soothing, and the episodes encourage deep inner work.
- Best For: Listeners who want to combine mindfulness with self-compassion.
- Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
5. On Being with Krista Tippett
- Description: While not solely a meditation podcast, "On Being" explores themes of mindfulness, spirituality, and what it means to live a good life. Each episode is thought-provoking and inspiring.
- Best for: Those who enjoy exploring the deeper aspects of mindfulness and philosophy.
- Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
6. The Mindfulness Meditation Podcast by The Rubin Museum
- Description: Offers weekly meditations inspired by the art and philosophy of the Himalayas. Sessions are led by leading meditation teachers and paired with unique themes.
- Best for: Meditators looking for inspiration rooted in cultural and artistic traditions.
- Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
7. Sleepy
- Description: This podcast reads classic stories to lull you into a peaceful sleep. While not traditional meditation, it’s excellent for those who struggle with bedtime anxiety.
- Best for: Anyone seeking relaxation and better sleep.
- Where to listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Top newsletters for mindfulness tips
1. Mindful Newsletter
- Description: Offers practical advice on mindfulness, meditation techniques, and personal stories to inspire your practice.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Focus: Mindfulness exercises, guided meditations, and articles on mindful living.
- How to subscribe: Mindful Newsletter
2. Down The Rabbit Hole
- Description: A weekly dose of wisdom, wonder, and well-being, exploring various aspects of mindfulness and personal growth.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Focus: Curated content on mindfulness, mental health, and self-improvement.
- How to subscribe: Down The Rabbit Hole
3. Meditate or Die
- Description: Provides meditation strategies that are practical and effective, aiming to make meditation a non-negotiable part of your life.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Focus: Actionable meditation techniques and motivational content.
- How to subscribe: Meditate or Die
4. The Mindfulness Journal Newsletter
- Description: Focuses on healing, mindfulness, self-care, and holistic mental health, offering deep insights and practical advice.
- Frequency: Monthly
- Focus: In-depth articles on mindfulness practices, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.
- How to subscribe: The Mindfulness Journal Newsletter
5. Breathe and Flow Yoga Newsletter
- Description: Provides expert tips on yoga, meditation, breathwork, and healthy living, integrating mindfulness into daily routines.
- Frequency: Monthly
- Focus: Yoga practices, meditation techniques, and lifestyle articles on productivity and personal growth.
- How to Subscribe: Breathe and Flow Yoga Newsletter
6. SUMA Mind Newsletter
- Description: Packed with mindfulness tips, meditation techniques, and simple strategies to de-stress, this newsletter supports readers on their journey toward a more focused and calm lifestyle.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Focus: Easy-to-follow meditative practices and insights on building a consistent habit of mindfulness.
- How to subscribe: SUMA Mind Newsletter
Must-follow social media accounts
Social media can often feel overwhelming, but it can also become a source of inspiration and mindfulness when used thoughtfully. Here are some top accounts to follow for meditation tips, calming visuals, and daily reminders to pause and breathe.
1. Headspace
- Description: The creators of the popular meditation app share bite-sized mindfulness tips, guided meditation snippets, and calming visuals to brighten your feed.
- Focus: Guided meditation videos, stress relief techniques, and motivational content.
- Where to follow: Instagram, Twitter
2. Meditative Mind
- Description: Offers peaceful music, nature visuals, and mantras to create a meditative atmosphere. Perfect for background music during meditation or work.
- Focus: Relaxing sounds, affirmations, and visual meditations.
- Where to follow: YouTube
3. Calm
- Description: Known for their app, Calm’s social accounts feature motivational quotes, guided meditations, and strategies to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
- Focus: Self-care reminders and soothing content.
- Where to follow: Instagram, Twitter
4. Jason Stephenson Meditation
- Description: Jason Stephenson provides guided meditations for sleep, relaxation, and stress relief. His content is ideal for unwinding at the end of the day.
- Focus: Sleep meditations, relaxation techniques, and positive affirmations.
- Where to follow: YouTube, Instagram
5. Yoga With Adriene
- Description: While primarily focused on yoga, Adriene Mishler often incorporates meditation and mindfulness themes into her practice.
- Focus: Yoga for relaxation, guided meditations, and mindfulness practices.
- Where to follow: YouTube, Instagram
6. InsightTimer
- Description: The makers of the Insight Timer app post daily meditation tips, live session announcements, and inspirational content.
- Focus: Free live meditations, mindfulness challenges, and expert advice.
- Where to follow: Instagram, Twitter
Top apps for meditation
While podcasts, newsletters, and social media accounts are great for learning and staying inspired, meditation apps provide structured guidance and tools to deepen your practice. Here are a few standout apps that cater to different needs and levels.
1. Headspace
- Description with Features: One of the most popular apps for mindfulness, Headspace provides step-by-step meditation courses for beginners, SOS meditations for quick stress relief, sleepcasts for improved sleep, guided breathing exercises, and focus-building tools. Its structured programs and diverse content make it a go-to app for mindfulness enthusiasts.
- Who it’s best for: Beginners and those seeking a variety of meditation styles.
- Where to Download: Available on iOS and Android.
2. Calm
- Description with features: Known for its calming interface, Calm offers features like Daily Calm—10-minute meditations updated daily—masterclasses led by mindfulness experts, a vast library of sleep stories narrated by soothing voices, nature sounds, and guided breathing exercises to help users relax and de-stress.
- Who it’s best for: Anyone looking to manage stress and improve sleep.
- Where to download: Available on iOS and Android.
3. Insight Timer
- Description with features: This app provides thousands of free guided meditations, a customizable timer for self-guided sessions, live events hosted by teachers, and community groups for peer support. It’s an excellent choice for meditators who enjoy variety and connecting with like-minded individuals.
- Who it’s best for: Intermediate to advanced meditators seeking variety and community.
- Where to download: Available on iOS and Android.
4. Breethe
- Description with features: A comprehensive app that combines meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth tools, Breethe features tailored programs for stress relief, sleep improvement, and self-development. It also includes short sessions for busy schedules and humor-infused content to keep mindfulness light and enjoyable.
- Who it’s best for: Busy individuals looking for versatile and effective mindfulness practices.
- Where to download: Available on iOS and Android.
5. Simple Habit
- Description with features: Designed for people with tight schedules, Simple Habit offers 5-minute meditation sessions tailored to specific scenarios such as reducing anxiety, preparing for meetings, or unwinding after work. Offline access makes it perfect for mindfulness on the go.
- Who it’s best for: Those who want targeted meditations for specific moments.
- Where to download: Available on iOS and Android.
6. Waking Up by Sam Harris
- Description with features: This app takes mindfulness to a deeper level, blending daily guided meditations with thought-provoking lessons on consciousness and self-awareness. Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and meditation teacher, offers a 28-day introductory course perfect for beginners and additional content for seasoned meditators. His unique approach combines science, philosophy, and practical guidance, making it ideal for those looking to explore the "why" behind meditation.
- Best for: Anyone curious about the deeper aspects of mindfulness and wanting a structured way to build a practice.
- Where to download: Waking Up by Sam Harris
Create your ideal meditation media plan
With so many resources available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead of trying to use everything at once, choose one or two resources that resonate most with you and incorporate them into a consistent routine. This approach helps build mindfulness as a sustainable habit.
Step 1: Select your resources
Start by identifying which resource aligns best with your lifestyle and preferences:
- Podcasts: Ideal for learning or practicing mindfulness during commutes or breaks.
- Apps: Best for guided, structured sessions and tracking your progress.
- Social media accounts: Perfect for bite-sized daily inspiration.
- Newsletters: Great for in-depth tips and monthly motivation.
- Music Albums: Try calming soundscapes like Nordic Soundscapes, available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, to enhance focus and relaxation during meditation.
Example:
If you prefer short, guided sessions, download an app like Headspace or Simple Habit and pair it with Nordic Soundscapes for a peaceful meditation experience.
Step 2: Build a practical routine
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of meditation. Create a simple, actionable routine that fits your schedule.
Sample routine:
- Morning: Use an app like Headspace for a 10-minute guided meditation to start your day.
- Lunch break: Listen to a 5-minute episode from the Meditation Minis Podcast to re-center.
- Evening: Read tips from the Mindful Newsletter or follow relaxing visuals on the Calm Instagram page before bed.
- Optional: Use Simple Habit offline when traveling or during stressful situations.
Step 3: Stick with it
Familiarity breeds habit. Commit to using your selected resources consistently for at least two weeks. Keep it manageable—starting with just 5-10 minutes daily is better than overloading yourself.
Conclusion
Meditation isn’t about adding more notifications, apps, or clutter into your life—it’s about finding calm and creating space for inner peace. Let these tools serve as gentle reminders to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Even a few minutes daily can bring balance to your day. Begin your mindful journey now, and let tranquility guide your way.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.