It’s a tough world out there and things may not always go the way you want them to. So it’s completely okay to feel down in the dumps sometimes. What’s not okay is doing nothing about it. Calling and texting aside, smartphones can also play the role of a handy stress reliever when they’re equipped with the right apps. The Play Store and App Store are brimming with apps that can help you with your sleep, alleviate anxiety, or simply cheer you up. We take a look at some of the best ones below. Orbia (for relaxing) There are games that frustrate you because of their difficulty and then there are games that help you chill with their simplicity. Of the latter type, Orbia is an obstacle game that can be played with nothing but taps from a single finger. A soothing tune is played throughout as you help a cute little guy pass through other swirling orb-like characters. And the visuals are simply beautiful. Levels get complex as you progress but they never turn too demanding. Finch (for self-care) Finch is a pet that doesn’t need to be taken care of. Rather, it cares for you! If simple chores feel like too much effort and you keep procrastinating them, then Finch will remind you and incentivise you to complete them. Completing self care exercises grow your pet, encouraging you to get things done sooner. The app also features daily check ins where you can start mornings with quick mood checks and end days with your pet returning from adventures to share stories with you. Stumble Guys (to cheer you up) If you’ve heard of Fall Guys – the super-popular free-to-play platform battle royale game – and thought that “hey, I wish I could play this on the go,” then Stumble Guys will serve you perfectly. It isn’t as easy as Orbia and requires both hands to play along with your undivided attention if you wish to win. But the goofy tunes and colourful cheery visuals are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. In it, you start with up to 32 other real players with the objective of dodging oncoming obstacles while running, dashing, and sliding past opponents. Calm (for relaxing and sleep) Calm is a one-stop destination for all your relaxation needs with an extensive list of features. Guided meditation, Sleep Stories, soundscapes, breathwork, and stretching exercises are among the many things that the app can provide for you to help you manage stress, balance moods, sleep better, and refocus your attention. The app also offers 7- and 21-day mindfulness programs and nature sounds and scenes to calm your nerves. BetterSleep (for sleep) BetterSleep helps you can track your sleep patterns and improve your sleep with soothing sounds and guided content curated just for you. A vast library of nature sounds, white noise, water sounds, medication music, and even ‘isochronic brainwaves’ can help you fall asleep sooner, especially when you are stressed out. While bedtime stories will lull you into a slumber. The app also features Sleep Moves exercises, a series of gentle bedtime relaxation techniques “to prepare your mind and body for stress-free sleep.”
