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Meditation may have been around for thousands of years, but it's only recently become mainstream in America. Research is limited, but regular meditation may lower anxiety, reduce stress, and improve sleep, according to the National Institute of Health.

That all sounds great, but starting can be difficultor even stressful for some. It's common to worry about how long or when you should meditate. These 10 apps can help you get started with your practice.

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1 Headspace

The most recognizable meditation app, Headspace offers hundreds of guided lessons to help you sleep, focus, or feel more energized.

People who enjoy more physical activities will like move mode, which includes short workouts ranging from yoga to light cardio.

Cost: $5.83 to $12.99 per month, but there are plenty of free practices at https://www.headspace.com/covid-19

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

2 Calm

This app is great for beginners and people who are short on time. Guided sessions start at just three minutes, but there are longer options, too. Even better, you can choose to focus on the areas you want to work on most, like gratitude, anxiety, or self-esteem.

Cost: Free, in-app purchases

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

3 Aura

Aura offers personalized meditation based on whatever mood you select. There's also calming music, stories, and life coaching sessions available.

Cost: Free, in-app purchases

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

4 Insight TImer

Practice with some of the most famous teachers and musicians in the world, including Tara Brach, PhD, founder of Insight Meditation Community of Washington; Gil Fronsdal, PhD at Stanford University; and Moby.

Cost: Free, in-app purchases

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

5 Smiling Mind

Mindfulness is a key part of meditation, and this free app aims to help you be present. It was developed by a psychologist to improve sleep, lower stress, and increase focus. Use it alone or before you meditate.

Cost: Free

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

6 Simple Habit

Convinced you don't have time to meditate? Simple Habit claims to be the meditation app for busy people. Recordings are short and can be practiced even while commuting. There's a lesson to improve nearly every aspect of your life, including love and sex.

Cost: Free, in-app purchases

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

7 10% Happier

Based on the popular book by journalist Dan Harris, the app is geared towards people who are skeptical of meditation. Sessions are presented in a straight-forward and humorous approach. New content is released weekly, so there's always something new to look forward to.

Cost: Free, in-app purchases

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

8 Journey

If you thrive off real-time classes, Journey may be the app for you. They offer live meditations throughout the day, so it feels like you're working with a teacher IRL.

Cost: $19.99 per month

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

9 Glo

Glo is costly, but it's more than a meditation app. You'll also find yoga and pilates to suit a variety of experience levelsall taught by top-notch instructors. In fact, the instruction rivals in-person classes, according to some reviewers.

Cost: $22.99 per month

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

10 Sattva

Saatva offers meditations based on ancient Vedic principles. In addition to guided meditations, you can also enjoy sacred Sanskrit chants, mantras, and music. View your progress by using the mood tracker before and after meditations.

Cost: 12.99 per month

Find it: Apple Store and Google Play

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10 Best Meditation Apps in 2020 - Men's Health