Stress-busting Android apps
Zen Brush
Name: Zen Brush
Developer: PSOFT
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
Zen Brush might look a little odd to start with, but the app acts like a sophisticated doodle pad -- allowing you to use ink brushes and pens to write, paint or draw whatever comes to mind. There's something soothing about using ink instead of a keyboard.
As a bonus, if you want to share your creation, you can watermark an image, save it and share over social media and email.
The free version is ad-supported, and the premium type can be purchase in-app.
Via: Google Play
500px
Name: 500px
Developer: 500px
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 4.0 and up
As a photographer, I love little better than to settle down with a book of beautiful and engaging photos -- which is why 500px is one of my favorite Android applications. The app is a platform for photographers to share images -- from portraits to holiday snaps. The community creates galleries, curates by topic, and users can comment on photos, share tips, or save favorite images for later viewing.
Via: Google Play
Crayon Physics Deluxe
Name: Crayon Physics Deluxe
Developer: Kloonigames
Price: £1.69
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
The Crayon Physics game might look a bit odd, but it is highly entertaining and well worth a download. The 2D game replicates a crayon, which you then use to draw -- and objects become transformed into physical items which act based on the rules of physics. By doing so, you can work your way through a number of puzzles -- which is not only a great way to zone out, but could also be used to teach kids how physics works.
Via: Google Play
Fluid Monkey
Name: Fluid Monkey
Developer: Buzz Monkey Software
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
When you need to wind down, sometimes there's nothing better than zoning out with something simple. Fluid Monkey is a candidate for this kind of relaxation. The basic idea is to interact with a pool of liquid -- by using your finger, you can paint, smear color over the screen, or create fluid with different colors, bouncing balls and sparkles.
Pointless, but strangely a lot of fun.
Via: Google Play
Zen Garden
Name: Zen Garden
Developer: Access Lane
Price: Free (premium available)
Compatibility: Android 2.1 and up
Zen Garden is a simple but elegant app that allows you to create your own small, relaxed world -- through building a peaceful garden.
Via: Google Play
White Noise Lite
Name: White Noise Lite
Developer: TMSOFT
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
White Noise Lite is a free app which can block out daily distractions which keep you from getting a moment's peace.
The app generates 'white noise' over a range of frequencies to stop your sleep being interrupted by sudden sounds if the environment is too quiet -- as well as allowing you to listen to noises that calm you.
Some of the tracks available in the free version include heavy rain, ticking clocks, crickets and beach waves.
Via: Google Play
5-Minute Headache Relief Lite
Name: 5-Minute Headache Relief Lite
Developer: Pitashi
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
5-Minute Headache Relief is a handy app which walks you through steps to soothe a headache. The app developers claim that most headaches are caused by tension in the neck, and by walking through the app's instructions, this tension can quickly be released.
Via: Google Play
Ambiance
Name: Ambiance
Developer: Urban Apps
Price: £1.99
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
Ambiance touts itself as an "environment enhancer" which lets users change their environment to relax, focus or drift off. The app comes complete with over 2500 sounds to download and listen to, which can also be merged together to create individual playlists.
Via: Google Play
Relax and Sleep
Name: Relax and Sleep
Developer: Mizu Software Solutions
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 1.5 and up
Relax and Sleep is another application -- suitable for older versions of Android -- which offers ambient sounds for users to listen to. I like this app because of a single setting -- you are able to change separate track volumes with different effects to create a unique melody. For example, if you like lightning, rain and the sea, you can mix it so the lightning is loudest, and waves are in the background.
Via: Google Play
Relax Completely
Name: Relax Completely
Developer: Hypnotherapist Direct
Price: Free
Compatibility: Android 2.2 and up
Relax Completely is a free hypnosis meditation app which hosts sessions to help you relax. Each session includes soothing background music, animations, and audio instructions.
Via: Google Play