FAQ
We love tech!
Technology is transforming mental health by offering smart tools for self-management and personal growth. From managing stress to improving sleep, our apps put support right at your fingertips.
It’s empowering to see how tech can help you build better habits and strengthen your thinking skills.
We’ve gathered gadgets and some apps for a better brain, examples just to spark your curiosity. We haven’t personally tested the apps, hardware, or software – so consider this more of a friendly tip than expert advice. Try at your own risk (and fun)!.
The digital world is reshaping mental wellness
From smartphones to tablets, technology is making it easier than ever to seek support, track well-being, and gain insights into mental health. Even basic access—like calling or texting a crisis line—can be life-saving.
Some mental health apps are highly advanced, using built-in sensors to monitor changes in behavior and alert users to potential concerns. Others focus on boosting cognitive skills or connecting individuals with counselors or professionals.
This surge in innovation has led to a flood of apps across major platforms, offering both promise and uncertainty. With minimal regulation and limited evidence on what works, it’s not always clear which tools are reliable.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, it’s essential to weigh both the opportunities and the challenges of bringing mental health care into the digital age. For inspiration, we’ve gathered a few examples for you below.
Smart Glasses
Alphabeats
Depression treatment headset
To help pilots train their attention, NASA Langley researcher Alan Pope invented what he called an engagement index.
He started Narbis’ smart glasses to monitor brainwaves and track focus. Users receive real-time brain activity insights, helping them quickly train and improve their attention.
Music-powered mental training for sharper focus, quicker recovery, and deeper sleep.
It elevates your mental game by sensing your brainwaves and providing you with constant feedback to direct your brain into a calm, focused state.
Recent scientific evidence shows that depression affects the brain’s overall function and activity patterns. This explains why recovery isn’t as simple as restoring chemical levels, it physically changes how the brain work. This headset helps restore healthy brain activity patterns.
Apps for a better brain
Support mental performance
Brain-Friendly tech
Apps for Focus
1.1 Lumosity
- Focus: Memory, attention, problem-solving
- Features: A collection of brain games designed to challenge cognitive skills.
- Why It’s Great: Personalized training programs and progress tracking.
- Available on: iOS, Android
1.2 Peak
- Focus: Cognitive training, memory, mental agility
- Features: Over 40 brain games developed by neuroscientists.
- Why It’s Great: Tracks progress with detailed insights.
- Available on: iOS, Android
1.3 Elevate
- Focus: Communication, memory, processing speed
- Features: Games designed to improve reading, writing, and math skills.
- Why It’s Great: Tailored daily brain workouts.
- Available on: iOS, Android
Organizing apps
1. Forest
The utterly charming tree-based conceit genuinely can make you productive
Deep Focus Mode can stop you from getting distracted by your smartphone
2.Todoist (with AI-powered Smart Schedule)
Positive thinking apps
Uplift ( dutch app)
Happify
I AM app lets you set your daily positive affirmation reminders as notification and has a list of different affirmations to choose from the type of inspiration …
Stress Reduction apps
Calm
- Focus: Meditation, sleep, stress relief
- Features: Guided meditations, breathing exercises, sleep stories.
- Why It’s Great: Reduces stress, improves focus, and supports relaxation.
- Available on: iOS, Android
2.2 Headspace
- Focus: Mindfulness, meditation, focus
- Features: Guided meditations, focus music, sleep sounds.
- Why It’s Great: Simple, beginner-friendly mindfulness techniques.
- Available on: iOS, Android
2.3 Insight Timer
- Focus: Meditation, relaxation, mental clarity
- Features: Thousands of free guided meditations and soundscapes.
- Why It’s Great: Wide range of topics from stress to sleep.
- Available on: iOS, Android
Music and Brainwaves apps
1 Brain.fm
- Focus: Focus, relaxation, sleep
- Features: Music scientifically designed to improve brain states.
- Why It’s Great: Music optimized for productivity, relaxation, or sleep.
- Available on: iOS, Android
4.2 MyNoise
- Focus: Focus, relaxation, sleep
- Features: Customizable soundscapes and white noise generators.
- Why It’s Great: Helps reduce distractions and improve focus.
- Available on: iOS, Android
Meditation apps
Headspace. Headspace is a popular mindfulness app that appeals to users from all walks of life. It provides guided meditations and soothing sleep sounds.
Calm
Less-structured meditations, ambient soundscapes
This app offers guided and unguided meditations that focus on relaxing in general and keeping steady in tough times. It’s easy to personalize your experience.
Smiling Mind
A free app aimed at for kids and young adults. This free option packages with a beginners courses in a lighthearted, simple app.
Sleep and Relaxation apps
1. Sleep Cycle
- Focus: Sleep tracking, optimizing sleep cycles
- Features: Smart alarm, detailed sleep analytics.
- Why It’s Great: Supports brain recovery through improved sleep quality.
- Available on: iOS, Android
2. Pzizz
- Focus: Sleep, power naps, relaxation
- Features: Sleep-optimized soundscapes and guided sessions.
- Why It’s Great: Reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.
- Available on: iOS, Android
Nutrition and Healthy Habits apps
1 MyFitnessPal
- Focus: Nutrition, health tracking
- Features: Calorie tracking, meal plans, fitness goals.
- Why It’s Great: Supports brain health through balanced nutrition.
- Available on: iOS, Android
2 Habitica
- Focus: Habit building, goal setting
- Features: Turns tasks and habits into a fun RPG-style game.
- Why It’s Great: Keeps you motivated to maintain brain-healthy habits.
- Available on: iOS, Android
Pro Tips for Brain Health with Apps
- Use brain-training apps daily for best results.
- Combine meditation apps with brain exercises.
- Listen to focus-enhancing music during work or study.
- Prioritize sleep apps for restful nights.
- Track your nutrition and habits consistently.
Encourages to walk more
Adequate exercise is very important for a healthy brain. Yet more than half of the Dutch do not exercise enough. That is why the Brain Foundation has developed the Ommetje app. This app helps you make walking a habit.
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