Originally created for youth and young adults, the Breathr app was developed in 2017 by the BC Children's Hospital Centre for Mindfulness and Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the to introduce mindfulness in accessible way and share fun facts about the brain science behind the practice. Since the app was first launched, it has been downloaded 33,000 times.
The free app offers a variety of mindfulness practices and guided meditations that could be used anywhere, anytime, such as body scans, guided breathing, walking meditation, and self-compassion practices. Breathr has recently been updated to version 3.0 and includes new functions and content for parents and caregivers, as well as health care professionals.
"We believe that everybody benefits from mindfulness, and we hope that Breathr might be a part of your mindfulness journey" says Dr. Dzung Vo, director, BC Children's Centre for Mindfulness and head, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.
Breathr 3.0 features new content and functions. With the updated app you'll be able to:
- Favourite the activities you come back to most often to curate your own collection
- Create a journal to add notes on feelings and/or thoughts that come up for you during your practices
- Filter activities by outcome, topic or stressor to easily find what you're looking for
- Turn on or off captions to meet your accessibility needs
- Explore five new meditation practices, including PEACE, Mindful Movement and Loving Kindness for your Child
Research shows that practicing mindfulness can benefit our mental health and overall well-being. It can also help:
- reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- improve memory and concentration
- lead to better sleep
- improve decision-making skills
- strengthen our connection and relationships with others
The beauty of mindfulness is that it can be practiced in many different ways, and can be done anytime, anywhere.
To start your mindfulness journey, download the Breathr app for free from Apple Store or Google Play. Learn more about the app and find additional mindfulness resources from the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre.
