I’ve been using the Calm App for years! I started with the free version (I think I used that for an entire year), and then splurged for the Premium version because I loved it so much.
Over the years, I’ve used the app for many reasons and in different ways. There were times I was set on meditating daily and other times, I only opened the app when my anxiety was high.
Currently, I use the app for meditations (I aim for daily, but don’t always make it) and music.
Any way you choose to use the app, I think it’s helpful and a great (and very handy) resource, no matter where you’re at with meditation or mindfulness.
I should note that when I started using the app, I wasn’t even sure what meditation was!
Here are my top Calm app picks and more insight into how I use each one:
Best Calm App Meditations
When I started using Calm, I was set on getting into a daily meditation, and I always went to the “Daily Calm” series. “Daily Calm” is typically around 7-10 minutes, and although the topics tend to vary from day-to-day (which is good if you get bored easily), it’s always narrated by Tamara Levitt.
In the last two years, though, I have relied on LeBron James series, “Train Your Mind” both Volume I and Volume II. “Managing Emotions” (VI) and “Learning How to Fail” (VII) are my top episodes.
I have listened to these episodes countless times, and I still turn to them regularly. Depending on what I need, I get something different out of them every time I listen. It’s fantastic and one of my favorite audio selections in the app.
I’ve listened to the “Daily Jay” with Jay Shetty, and it’s good, but a little to “hustle” for me. Two new series are “Daily Trip” (mediation adventure) and “Daily Move” (stretching), which are on my list to try!
Best Calm App Music
I honestly had no idea the Calm app had music until recently! I was specifically searching for something to listen to while I journaled, and I found a ton of stuff.
Calm organizes music by mood (for sleep, focus, calm, rise & shine, etc.), genre, soundscapes, kids and recommended (for you), which is helpful.
So far, my favorite piece to listen to is “The Stay Vibrant Series” by San Holo, a Dutch producer. I love listening to this while journaling because it’s upbeat but calm and allows me to easily explore my thoughts.
Another top pick for me is the “Late Night Jazz” playlist, which is curated by Calm. The entire playlist is about an hour long, which is perfect if you’re winding down for the night. I like listening to this while I read, as it’s all instrumental.
Best Calm App Sleep Stories
While I use the meditation audio and the music the most right now, the sleep resources on the Calm app are plentiful and so creative!
In the past, I’ve used the sleep stories (Harry Styles’ “Dream With Me” had me too curious to sleep – ha) and the soundscapes (I listened to the Sólheimasandur Landmark soundscape after seeing it in person!).
The app has an extensive collection of sleep stories about trains, which may sound funny, but imagining you’re on a calm, relaxing train, traveling through beautiful landscapes, is quite nice. Some of the ones I enjoy are “The Glacier Express” and “The West Highland Line.”
One series I haven’t explored yet is fictional sleep stories, which include mysteries, readings from famous literature, and romance. There’s even a “vintage” story narrated by James Stewart (technology-generated).
Other Calm App Gems
I can’t end this post without mentioning some of the other extremely helpful audio pieces in Calm. My top pick here is “Panic SOS.” Technically, it’s a meditation, but hopefully not one you’ll have to use much.
I’ve experienced panic attacks and intrusive thoughts, and in those times, I’ve reached for this meditation (including while waiting to board a flight). You can pick the 4-min version or a 10-min, and it is so helpful.
Another go-to if I’m on the verge of a panic attack or need instant calm is the breathing exercises. You can select what you need—balance, energize, focus, relax, restore, or unwind—and they give you a specific breathing technique paired with a “bubble” to show you when to breathe in, hold, and breathe out.
Even just focusing on the breath and watching the bubble is so helpful if you need grounding ASAP.
Finally, I want to highlight the entire Work category on the app, because I’m someone that suffers from all sorts of anxiety around perfectionism and job loss. This part of the app has loads of resources to help you throughout your workday, including meditation and music.
This is where Jay Shetty‘s sessions are best-fit, in my opinion (there are sessions on single-tasking, slowing the mind swirl, and people-pleasing). I like the “60 Second Reboot” with Chibs Okereke, which is perfect right before a meeting.
Chibs also narrates “Let’s Unplug,” which is good during lunch or if you’re shifting gears during the day.
What types of tools do you use to improve mindfulness, relaxation, and sleep?
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