X

Stress-busting Android apps

From hypnotherapy to ponds, there are many Android apps on the market available to help you unwind.
By Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer
zen.png
1 of 10 Google

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

photo.png
2 of 10 Google

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

draw.png
3 of 10 Google

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

monkey.png
4 of 10 Google

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

flow.png
5 of 10 Google

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

mix-v1.png
6 of 10 Google

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

stre.png
7 of 10 Google

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

rain.png
8 of 10 Google

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

sheep.png
9 of 10 Google

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

hypo.png
10 of 10 Google

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

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos