In a period where uncertainty is weighing heavy on most of us, times are worrying, and it can be challenging to switch off, finding methods of relaxation is crucial for our mental wellbeing. Thankfully, audio podcasts have been booming over the last few years, offering a wide variety of useful information, beneficial techniques and content to help keep us positive.
From mindfulness and sleeping strategies to simple, light-hearted conversations to make us smile, these relaxing podcasts that have been designed to help get us through times just like these.
Meditation and mindfulness podcasts
Meditation and mindfulness techniques are widely recognised for their ability to relax the brain. By taking a step away from our busy or stressful lives, they introduce a sense of calm that leaves you in a better place to deal with the daily issues we face.
Mindful
If you are new to this type of practice, Mindful is an excellent place to start. Most episodes are 10 minutes in length or less and, designed for modern life, cover different topics that help with being present.1
The Daily Meditation Podcast
These 20-minute daily meditations take you through different techniques to help you deal with the stresses of the day with calmness and positivity. Its recent releases on coping with uncertainty and times of crisis are particularly applicable for the current restrictions we are all facing.2
Headspace
Well-known for its award-winning app, this podcast introduces the experts behind the Headspace techniques, as well as speaking to inspiring guest speakers such as explorers, athletes and scientists, who examine how the mind can drive us towards our goals.3
Holistic therapy for relaxation
The Tapping Solution
Tapping is a holistic healing tool, developed by clinical psychologists and used to reduce anxiety, calm the mind and help us relax by restoring the balance of energy. The technique uses tapping patterns on nine acupressure points in the body, practised while focusing on your stress. This interrupts the brain’s pathway to these anxieties and allows for their release.4
Relaxing podcasts to help you sleep
With 22% of people in the UK struggling to sleep every night, finding effective techniques to help you switch off from the day, unwind and get that all-important rest is vital.5 These sleep-inducing podcasts may be the solution you are seeking. Try combining them with a natural sleep or relaxation remedy to help maximise the benefits of your time asleep.
The Sleepy Radio
You’re never too grown-up for a good bedtime story, and when familiar tales are told in a low, rhythmical voice, like that of Otis Gray, you will struggle to reach the end before dropping off. 6
Slow Radio
Slow radio plays lo-fi, calming, background sounds that help you to disconnect from everything that is going on in the outside world. Listen to the sounds of the sea, the mountains or the countryside – a gentle, yet effective therapy for relaxation.7
Podcasts with guest speakers
There is a vast range of engaging podcasts with guest speakers, who discuss techniques for relaxation, positivity and wellbeing.
Feel Better, Live More
Hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, joined by leading industry experts, this podcast shares practical advice on keeping a healthy mind and body and covers a wide range of topics, including ways to deal with the current lockdown situation.8
The Happy Place
Sometimes to relax, a dose of light-heartedness is what is required. Fearne Cotton achieves this in her podcast, where her motto is to share good, simple happiness. Her guests include comedians, sportspeople and authors, who open up about their mental health journeys.9
Last updated: 27 April 2020
Sources
1 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mindful/id1068281273?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
2 https://thedailymeditationpodcast.libsyn.com/
3 https://play.acast.com/s/headspace
4 https://www.thetappingsolution.com/notes-bits/
5 https://www.linenbundle.com/blogs/news/insomnia-statistics
6 https://www.sleepyradio.com/
7 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05k5bq0
8 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/feel-better-live-more/id1333552422?mt=2
9 https://www.officialfearnecotton.com/happy-place
