Apps To Help You Stay Sane During Lockdown

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Sally-Anne Turner

We've been asked to practise social distancing by self-isolating in our homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there seems to be one main factor that's driving everyone insane – boredom. The sudden shift from our normal routines, the inability to visit friends and family, the closure of gyms, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and the constant stream of concerning news have created a perfect storm for mental health challenges. Many people are experiencing increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation as they navigate this unprecedented situation.

At Bodyline Clinic, we understand that maintaining your physical health is intrinsically linked to your mental wellbeing. Throughout our 18 years of supporting over 100,000 patients across the UK with their medical weight loss journeys, hormone replacement therapy, and overall wellness, we've consistently emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to health. This means addressing not just the physical aspects of wellbeing but also the psychological and emotional components that influence our daily lives. During lockdown, when our normal support systems and routines have been disrupted, paying attention to our mental health becomes even more critical.

Luckily, we live in a modern world where we can use technology to our advantage for anything from staying in touch with loved ones to keeping us entertained. We've compiled a list of apps that should help to pass the time away and keep your mental health in good shape during lockdown. These applications have been carefully selected to address different aspects of mental wellbeing, from meditation and mindfulness to social connection and entertainment. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, feeling lonely, or simply looking for ways to structure your day and maintain a sense of normality, there's something here that can help.

The apps we've selected fall into several categories: mental health and mindfulness tools that help you process emotions and reduce stress; entertainment and gaming apps that provide distraction and fun; and social connection platforms that help you maintain relationships with friends and family. Each serves a different purpose in supporting your overall wellbeing during this challenging time. It's worth noting that different approaches work for different people, so we encourage you to try several options and see what resonates with you personally.

Headspace: The app on everyone's lips at the moment is Headspace, which has a beautiful mix of guided meditations that you can listen to whatever you're doing. Whether you're waking up, driving, cooking or having a bath, there are lots of different mindfulness tracks that will help you stay sane while you're stuck at home. Headspace has become particularly popular during lockdown because it offers structured, professional guidance for people who may never have tried meditation before.

What makes Headspace particularly effective is its approach to making meditation accessible and non-intimidating. The app features hundreds of themed sessions covering everything from stress and anxiety to sleep and focus. Each meditation is led by co-founder Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk who explains concepts in clear, relatable language without any mystical jargon that might put off beginners. The sessions range from just three minutes for quick breathing exercises to longer twenty-minute guided meditations for deeper relaxation.

During lockdown, many users have found the sleep-focused content particularly valuable. With increased stress and disrupted routines affecting sleep quality, Headspace's "Sleepcasts" – which are essentially adult bedtime stories designed to help you drift off – have become incredibly popular. The app also offers "SOS" sessions for moments of acute stress or panic, which can be invaluable when you're feeling overwhelmed by the current situation. For those working from home, the focus and productivity sessions can help create mental boundaries between work and personal time, something that's become increasingly challenging when your home has become your office.

The app uses a subscription model, but during the pandemic, Headspace has made many of its resources available for free, recognising the mental health crisis many people are facing. This includes collections specifically designed to help with uncertainty, loneliness, and the anxiety that comes with major life disruptions. At Bodyline Clinic, we often recommend mindfulness practices to our patients as part of their overall wellness journey, as stress management plays a crucial role in everything from weight management to hormone balance.

https://www.headspace.com My Possible Self This is a mental health app that's based on proven scientific methods to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. My Possible Self allows users to interact and learn about their emotions, providing tips and tricks to keep your worries under control – especially during lockdown. It includes a mood tracker feature, which allows you to keep note of what may trigger certain emotions during the day and eliminate things that may cause you to feel anxious.

What sets My Possible Self apart from other mental health apps is its foundation in evidence-based psychological techniques. The app was developed in collaboration with mental health professionals and draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and mindfulness-based approaches. This means you're not just getting generic wellness advice but tools and techniques that have been proven to work in clinical settings. For many people, this app serves as a bridge between self-help and professional therapy, offering structured support that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

The mood tracking feature is particularly powerful because it helps you identify patterns in your emotional wellbeing that you might not otherwise notice. By logging your mood several times throughout the day and noting what you were doing, who you were with, and what you were thinking, you can begin to see connections between your activities and your mental state. This self-awareness is the first step toward making positive changes. For instance, you might discover that scrolling through social media first thing in the morning consistently leaves you feeling anxious, or that taking a walk in the afternoon reliably improves your mood.

The app also includes a library of audio tracks covering various mental health topics, from managing worry and building resilience to improving sleep and boosting self-esteem. These tracks are typically between five and fifteen minutes long, making them easy to fit into even the busiest lockdown schedule. There are also interactive tools like thought diaries and worry trees that help you work through anxious thoughts in a structured way, rather than letting them spiral out of control.

During lockdown, when many people are experiencing heightened anxiety about health, finances, and the future, My Possible Self provides practical strategies for managing these worries. The app teaches you to distinguish between productive and unproductive worry and offers techniques for addressing the former while letting go of the latter. Just as we at Bodyline Clinic take a personalised approach to each patient's weight loss treatment or hormone therapy, My Possible Self recognises that mental health is highly individual and provides tools that can be adapted to your specific needs and circumstances.

https://www.mypossibleself.com Stress & Anxiety Companion This NHS approved mental health app is a fantastic tool to help manage your feelings of anxiety and nerves. Created by a former psychologist and his patient, it uses tried and tested CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) features to help relax and calm the body when you may be feeling tense. The fact that this app has received NHS approval speaks volumes about its credibility and effectiveness – the NHS doesn't endorse apps lightly, and this recognition means the app has been thoroughly evaluated for clinical safety and effectiveness.

The origin story of Stress & Anxiety Companion is particularly compelling. It was developed through a collaboration between Dr. Andres Fonseca, a psychologist with extensive experience treating anxiety disorders, and one of his patients who understood firsthand what people struggling with anxiety actually need. This combination of clinical expertise and lived experience has resulted in an app that's both scientifically sound and genuinely helpful in real-world situations. The tools and techniques included aren't just theoretically effective – they're the ones that have actually helped real people manage their anxiety.

The app offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to address anxiety from multiple angles. There are guided relaxation exercises that use progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing techniques to calm the physical symptoms of anxiety – the racing heart, tight chest, and shallow breathing that so many people experience. These exercises are particularly useful during lockdown when anxiety might spike unexpectedly, perhaps triggered by news updates or worries about loved ones. Having a tool you can access immediately, right on your phone, provides a sense of control and security.

One of the app's most valuable features is its collection of CBT-based thought-challenging tools. Cognitive behavioural therapy is built on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all interconnected, and that by changing unhelpful thought patterns, we can improve our emotional wellbeing. The app guides you through the process of identifying negative or anxious thoughts, examining the evidence for and against them, and developing more balanced, realistic perspectives. This is especially relevant during a pandemic, when it's easy to catastrophise and assume the worst-case scenario.

The Stress & Anxiety Companion also includes a panic attack relief section, which provides immediate support if you're experiencing acute anxiety. The techniques taught here – such as grounding exercises that help you focus on your immediate physical surroundings rather than your anxious thoughts – can be lifesaving for people who suffer from panic attacks. During lockdown, when access to in-person mental health support may be limited, having these tools readily available can provide crucial support during difficult moments.

At Bodyline Clinic, we recognise the strong connection between mental and physical health. Many of our patients seeking hormone replacement therapy for menopause also experience anxiety as a symptom, and we know that stress and poor mental health can significantly impact weight management efforts. Apps like Stress & Anxiety Companion can be valuable complementary tools alongside medical treatment, helping patients develop the emotional resilience needed to make lasting lifestyle changes.

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/stress-anxiety-companion/

Candy CrushFor a game that will never get boring, download Candy Crush. If you've not played it before, you're in for a treat (pun intended), and it's sure to provide hours of mindless fun to help get through the toughest of days. While the previous apps on this list focus specifically on mental health management, sometimes what you need most is simply a distraction – a way to give your brain a break from worry and stress. That's where games like Candy Crush come in.

Candy Crush is a match-three puzzle game that's deceptively simple in concept but endlessly engaging in practice. The basic gameplay involves swapping adjacent candies to create rows or columns of three or more matching pieces, which then disappear and award points. As you progress through hundreds of levels, new challenges and obstacles are introduced, keeping the game fresh and interesting. The game's appeal lies in its perfect balance of being easy to learn but difficult to master, with each level presenting a new puzzle to solve.

What makes Candy Crush particularly suitable for lockdown is its ability to provide a sense of achievement and progress during a time when many aspects of life feel stagnant. Each completed level gives you a small dopamine hit – a feeling of accomplishment that can be surprisingly uplifting when you're stuck at home with limited opportunities for achievement in other areas. The game also has a social component, allowing you to connect with friends, see their progress, and even send them lives or help them complete difficult levels, adding a layer of connection to the entertainment.

From a psychological perspective, puzzle games like Candy Crush can actually be quite beneficial for mental health. They require focus and concentration, which means your mind is occupied with the immediate task rather than ruminating on worries. This state of focused attention is sometimes called "flow," and it's associated with reduced stress and improved mood. The game provides just enough challenge to keep you engaged without being so difficult that it causes frustration – at least in the earlier levels. This makes it an excellent tool for those moments when you need to redirect your thoughts away from anxiety-inducing topics.

It's worth noting that while games can be helpful for stress relief and entertainment, they should be used in moderation. Just as we at Bodyline Clinic emphasise balance in all aspects of health – from nutrition to exercise to stress management – it's important to balance screen time with other activities. Games like Candy Crush are best used as one tool among many for maintaining your mental wellbeing during lockdown, rather than as an escape that consumes all your free time.

https://king.com/game/candycrush Draw Something This creative thinking app is a fun way of connecting to both friends and strangers. You're given a word and have to draw it out for the other person to guess, and it's sure to provide some giggles if you're not the arty type! Draw Something brings back the classic party game of Pictionary in a digital format that's perfect for maintaining social connections during lockdown when in-person gatherings aren't possible.

The beauty of Draw Something lies in its simplicity and universal appeal. You don't need to be an artist to enjoy the game – in fact, some of the funniest moments come from hilariously bad drawings that somehow still manage to communicate the intended word. The game gives you a choice of three words of varying difficulty (with harder words earning more points), and then provides a simple drawing interface with different colours to choose from. Your drawing is sent to your opponent, who watches it being created stroke by stroke and tries to guess the word. Then it's their turn to draw something for you.

What makes this app particularly valuable during lockdown is the way it facilitates genuine connection and shared experiences. Unlike simply texting or even video calling, which can sometimes feel forced or awkward, Draw Something gives you a shared activity to focus on. The laughter that comes from seeing a friend's terrible attempt to draw "helicopter" or the satisfaction of correctly guessing an obscure word creates moments of joy and connection that are so important when physical togetherness isn't possible. These small moments of levity and fun can significantly boost your mood and help you feel less isolated.

The game also offers cognitive benefits beyond entertainment. Drawing requires you to think creatively about how to represent concepts visually, which exercises different parts of your brain than most daily activities. This kind of creative thinking can be refreshing and energising, particularly if your days have become monotonous during lockdown. Similarly, trying to guess what someone else has drawn requires visual processing and lateral thinking skills. These mental exercises, while fun, help keep your mind active and engaged.

Draw Something can be played with friends you already know by connecting through social media, or you can be randomly matched with other players around the world. This latter option can be particularly interesting during a global pandemic, as it reminds you that people everywhere are going through similar experiences, finding similar ways to stay connected and entertained. The app has a chat feature that allows players to message each other, which can lead to new friendships and connections – something that's especially valuable if you're feeling lonely during lockdown.

At Bodyline Clinic, we understand that maintaining social connections is crucial for overall wellbeing. Just as we provide ongoing support and regular check-ins for our patients on weight loss injection programmes, we recognise that having people to share experiences with – even something as simple as a drawing game – makes a significant difference to motivation, mood, and long-term success in any health journey.

HousepartyFor most of us, it's been well over a month since the last time we hung out with our mates. This video messaging app allows you to connect with your friends and throw virtual "parties" from your home. There are lots of in-app games that you can play together, as well as being able to send messages to your friends that are offline. You can even jump into strangers' parties too, meaning you can meet new people.

Houseparty exploded in popularity during the early days of lockdown, and for good reason. While video calling apps like Zoom and Skype have their place for work meetings and formal catch-ups, Houseparty is designed specifically for casual, spontaneous social interaction – the kind of hanging out that we've been missing most during isolation. The app's interface is deliberately informal and fun, with the ability to see which of your friends are "in the house" (online and available to chat) and drop into their conversations with a simple tap.

One of Houseparty's standout features is its collection of built-in games that you can play together during video calls. These include trivia games, quick draw challenges, word association games, and more. Having structured activities during video calls serves multiple purposes: it gives you something to focus on besides just staring at each other's faces on screen, it creates shared experiences and memories, and it brings back some of the fun and spontaneity that's been missing from lockdown life. These aren't complex or time-consuming games – they're quick, easy, and designed to facilitate laughter and conversation rather than requiring intense concentration.

The app supports up to eight people in a video call, which is perfect for small group gatherings. You might recreate your regular Friday night pub quiz with friends, have a virtual dinner party where everyone cooks the same meal and eats together over video, or simply drop in for a quick chat when you see a friend is online. This spontaneity is something that's been lost with scheduled Zoom calls – Houseparty brings back that casual "I'll just pop round" feeling that we took for granted before lockdown.

The ability to "lock" your party or leave it open creates interesting possibilities. If you leave your party unlocked, friends of friends can join, potentially expanding your social circle even during lockdown. This feature has helped many people reconnect with old friends or make new ones, as mutual friends introduce people who might not otherwise have met. Of course, privacy controls allow you to lock your party if you want to keep it to just your close friends, giving you complete control over who can join your conversations.

From a mental health perspective, the importance of social connection during lockdown cannot be overstated. Humans are inherently social creatures, and isolation can have serious negative effects on mental wellbeing. Video calling apps like Houseparty help mitigate these effects by maintaining social bonds and providing opportunities for the kind of casual, fun interaction that boosts mood and reduces feelings of loneliness. While it's not the same as in-person contact, it's a valuable substitute that can help you maintain relationships and feel connected to your community.

At Bodyline Clinic, we've seen firsthand how social support influences health outcomes. Patients who have strong support networks and regular social interaction tend to be more successful in their weight loss journeys and better able to manage the challenges that come with making significant lifestyle changes. During lockdown, apps like Houseparty can help maintain these crucial support networks, allowing friends and family to encourage each other, share experiences, and celebrate successes together, even when physically apart.

https://houseparty.com If the current situation is getting you down and affecting your mental health, please get in touch with your loved-ones and talk to them about how you feel, or a professional if you feel it is getting worse. Remember the NHS is still open for business and most doctor's surgeries are offering virtual appointments if you'd prefer not to go out. Lockdown is hard, and the stress of the outside world on the other side can be overwhelming, but it's not forever and we will get through this together.

It's important to recognise that while apps and technology can be incredibly helpful tools for managing mental health during lockdown, they're not a substitute for professional help if you're struggling seriously. There's no shame in reaching out for support – in fact, it's one of the strongest and most sensible things you can do. If you're experiencing persistent low mood, overwhelming anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, please contact your GP, call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), or reach out to other mental health services. These organisations have adapted their services during the pandemic and are still available to provide the support you need.

At Bodyline Clinic, we remain committed to supporting our patients' overall health and wellbeing, even during these challenging times. While many of our services have adapted to include remote consultations and online support through our telehealth services, we continue to provide the same high standard of care that has helped over 100,000 people across the UK improve their health. Whether you're concerned about weight management, hormone health, or other aspects of your wellbeing, our experienced team is here to help.

We recognise that lockdown has disrupted many people's health routines and goals. Perhaps you've found it harder to maintain a healthy diet when you can't access your usual foods or when stress eating has become a coping mechanism. Maybe your exercise routine has been thrown off by gym closures and restrictions on outdoor activity. Or perhaps menopausal symptoms have worsened due to increased stress and disrupted sleep patterns. Whatever challenges you're facing, we want you to know that it's okay, and that support is available when you're ready.

Our clinic locations across the Northwest of England, including Warrington, Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, St Helens, and Birkenhead, are following all government guidelines to ensure patient safety, and we're also offering online consultations for patients across the UK who prefer to access support from home. If you're concerned about your weight, struggling with menopausal symptoms, or simply want to discuss how to maintain your health during lockdown, we encourage you to get in touch with our caring customer service team on 0800 995 6036.

Beyond the apps and tools we've discussed, there are many other strategies for protecting your mental health during lockdown. Maintaining a routine, even when you're not leaving the house, helps provide structure and purpose to your days. Try to wake up and go to bed at consistent times, get dressed each morning rather than staying in pyjamas all day, and schedule regular activities throughout the day. Physical activity, even if it's just a walk around your neighbourhood or a home workout, has powerful effects on mood and anxiety. Limiting your consumption of news and social media can reduce anxiety and help you avoid the constant cycle of worry that comes from information overload.

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in mental health. While it's tempting to comfort eat during stressful times, maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein can help stabilise your mood and energy levels. At Bodyline, our medical weight loss programmes have always emphasised the connection between what we eat and how we feel, and this relationship becomes even more important during challenging times like lockdown. If you're struggling with emotional eating or finding it difficult to maintain healthy habits, our specialist nurses can provide personalised guidance and support tailored to your circumstances.

Remember that everyone is coping with lockdown differently, and what works for one person might not work for another. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this unusual situation. It's okay to have days when you're not productive, when you feel anxious or low, or when you just need to switch off your brain with a silly game or mindless entertainment. The apps and strategies we've discussed are tools to help you through the difficult moments, but they're not a test you need to pass or a rigid prescription you must follow.

As we continue through this pandemic and whatever challenges lie ahead, Bodyline Clinic remains dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of our patients and the wider community. We understand that health encompasses far more than just physical measurements – it includes mental wellbeing, emotional resilience, social connection, and quality of life. Whether you're looking for support with weight management, hormone health, or simply want advice on maintaining your wellbeing during difficult times, our experienced team is here to help with compassionate, expert care. Book a consultation at Bodyline Clinic to discuss how we can support your health and wellbeing, even during these unprecedented times.