Apple announces Mental Health Day award for Apple Watch users

In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024, Apple is rolling out a special, limited-edition award for Apple Watch users. The initiative is part of Apple’s effort to encourage mental wellness and emotional self-care. To get this exclusive award, users must spend at least 10 minutes practising mindfulness using any app that connects with the iPhone’s Health app, including Apple's Mindfulness app. 

Alongside the limited-edition award, Apple has introduced a collection of tips to enhance mental well-being through features across its devices. Like, the State of Mind feature, which lets you log emotions and daily moods, offering insights into patterns that might be linked to factors like sleep and physical activity. Additionally, Apple Watch’s ambient light sensor tracks time spent outdoors, helping users monitor daylight exposure—something studies suggest can reduce stress with 15-30 minutes spent in natural light.

The Journal app allows users to capture and reflect on their daily experiences, fostering gratitude through entries including logs, photos, videos, and even audio recordings. On the other hand, the Focus feature is designed to cut down on distractions, enabling users to create custom modes for various tasks, and helping sharpen concentration during key activities.

Apple also highlights how its devices can assist in tracking mental health, such as monitoring depression and anxiety levels. These insights can be shared with healthcare providers, making it easier to get a more accurate assessment when needed.