Apple Watch users have a unique opportunity on Friday, October 10, 2025, to earn a limited-edition digital award by participating in the “Mindful Month” Activity Challenge, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. This initiative encourages users to dedicate at least 10 minutes to mindfulness or meditation to promote mental well-being.
What is the World Mental Health Day Challenge?
The World Mental Health Day Challenge is an annual event from Apple that encourages users to focus on their mental well-being. On October 10th, Apple Watch owners can unlock a special badge and animated stickers for Messages by completing a short mindfulness activity. This marks the second consecutive year Apple has centered an activity challenge around mindfulness for this significant day, aiming to make mental health a core part of its digital ecosystem.
The Importance of Mindfulness and Mental Health
World Mental Health Day, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the critical importance of mental health in our lives. Apple’s challenge aligns with a broader push to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide accessible resources for mental well-being. Regular mindfulness practices, even for short durations, have documented benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety, contributing to overall well-being.
How to Earn the Limited Edition Award
Earning the special World Mental Health Day award is straightforward. Apple Watch users need to record 10 minutes of mindfulness or meditation.
Compatible Apps for Mindful Minutes
To log the required minutes, users can utilize any app that integrates with the Apple Health app to add “mindful minutes.” This includes:
- Apple’s own Mindfulness app: Found directly on the Apple Watch, this app offers Breathe and Reflect sessions.
- Third-party meditation apps: Popular options like Headspace and Calm are fully compatible and can be used to complete the challenge.
Once a 10-minute session is completed and synced with Apple Health, the badge will appear on the Apple Watch, and animated stickers will become available in the Messages app.
Apple’s Broader Mental Health Initiatives
Beyond this specific challenge, Apple continues to expand its focus on mental well-being through various features within its ecosystem. The Health app on iPhone and the Mindfulness app on Apple Watch allow users to log emotions and daily moods, helping them understand how lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, and daylight exposure influence their mental state. The Health app also offers mental health assessments for depression and anxiety, providing insights that can be shared with healthcare providers. Additionally, Apple Fitness+ offers specialized meditation programs, including a free 10-minute Breath Meditation available for World Mental Health Day, designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
By integrating these features and challenges, Apple aims to provide a comprehensive approach to tracking and supporting both physical and mental health.
