Medito (free meditation app)

What it is

Medito is a mindfulness, meditation and sleep app built by the Medito Foundation, a registered non-profit. The foundation's position is that meditation should not sit behind a paywall: it says there are no ads, no paywalls, no premium tier and no account needed. The app's source code is published openly on GitHub. It runs on Android and iOS.

What you get

• Guided meditations for stress, anxiety, focus, self-compassion and more, in different lengths.
• Beginner courses that teach the basics over several days.
• Sleep content such as wind-down sessions and sleep stories.
• An unguided timer with bells, once you want to sit on your own.
• Streaks and stats to help you keep a habit.

Who it suits

Beginners who have never meditated, students who cannot pay for Headspace or Calm, and anyone whose sleep is affected by stress. It is also a good option to recommend to friends and family, because there is nothing to buy.

How to use it well

• Start with the beginner course, 10 minutes a day at the same time, for example first thing in the morning or before bed.
• Expect your mind to wander. Noticing that and coming back is the exercise, not a failure.
• Use it before stressful moments, such as before an exam or a call.
• Know the limits. Meditation helps with everyday stress and sleep, but it is not treatment for depression, trauma or panic. If those are in the picture, see the Looking after your mental health roadmap for when to get professional help.

Pair it with on Sefism

• The Looking after your mental health roadmap covers stress, sleep and low mood.
• Focus, habits and time covers building a daily habit that sticks and protecting rest.
• For a bigger library with many teachers, try Insight Timer.
• Ask Tauseef a question if you want advice on your own situation.

Best for: a genuinely free, ad-free way to start meditating and sleep better.