Stress Relief Game Apps - Relaxing & Calm Part 1

By Anna Hazard

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Part 2 :  Stress Relief Game Apps - Relaxing & Calm Continued
Part 3 :  Stress Relief Game Apps - Energetic & Venting

Introduction

While it can be immensely fulfilling, caregiving can also be a source of stress & tension just as immense for all of those involved. For the caregiver-on-the-go (or for anyone with a smartphone whose under a bit of pressure), we've put together a selection of iOS and Android smartphone app games that have a calming and relaxing effect upon the player. The focus is on free games (most with the ability to purchase in-app upgrades), but we've included a few low cost alternatives as well.
 
Also check out our previous blog post on calming stress relief games that can be found online.

Apps

Bubble Game - Stress Relief

• iOS | Android (Free, $0.99 to remove adds)
• A simple anti-stress game for those people who find popping bubblewrap to be therapeutic & soothing way to pass the time. Use your fingers to pop the  virtual bubbles within the app. Some of the alternate apps available include timed game modes with high scores and various difficulty settings for those looking for a bit more energetic way to release their tension.
  
• Other Alternatives
  • iOS: Bubble Wrap FREE (Free)
  • Android: Bubble Wrap (Free with in-app purchases) | Virtual Bubblewrap Simulator (Free with ads)
    

Colorfy: Coloring Book for Adults

• iOS | Android (Free with in-app purchases)
• Relax & relieve stress with art therapy which research has found to help people cope better with their emotional & physical distress. Similar to meditation, the act of coloring is supposed to help one turn off one's mind from other intruding thoughts. While these coloring activities are meant for adults, they  can also be done with kids & the whole family. This particular app contains 1000+ easy-to-color 1000+ pictures with the ability to share results on social media.
• Other Alternatives
  • iOS: Adult Coloring Book - Anti Stress Therapy Pages | Anti Stress Adult Coloring Books | Stress Anxiety Relief Coloring Book for Adults | Querkles: Colouring for Mindfulness (Free with in-app purchases)
  • Android: Adult Coloring Book Premium(Free with in-app purchases)   | Adult Coloring Book(Free with ads) | Colorfly(Free with in-app purchases)  | Coloring Book 2017 (Free with ads)| ColorMe (Free) | Colory (Free with ads)
    

fluidity HD (iOS, Free with in-app purchases) | Fleya (Android, Free)

• Relax with these simple & intuitive real time fluid dynamics simulations. Many people find watching the flow of water to be very calming. With these apps the user can interact via touch with colorful & soothing visuals.
• Other Alternatives
  • iOS: | Fluid(Free) | Liquid Dynamics(Free with in-app purchases) | Fluid Dynamics(Free with in-app purchases)
    
  • Android: Fluid Monkey(Free with in-app purchases) | Magic Fluids Free(Free with in-app purchases)  | Plasma Tennis ($3.91)
    

iQuarium HD

• iOS | Android (Free with in-app purchases)
• Indulge in a bit of virtual aquarium therapy while on the go. Research shows that watching the gliding movement of fish can lower stress & blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and improve mood. These 3D aquarium simulations include the ability to interact with the fish with a touch of the screen as well as the customization of backgrounds, lighting, fish, decorations and much more. Interact with the fish with touch. Some alternative apps include photorealistic options.
• Other Alternatives
  • iOS: Aquarium Live | Zen Koi | Aquarium HD | AbyssRium (Free with in-app purchases) | Marine Aquarium($1.99) | MyReef 3D Aquarium 2 HD ($2.99)
  • Android: The Real Aquarium HD (Free with ads) | 3D Aquarium Live Wallpaper(Free with ads)  | | Marine Aquarium (Free with in-app purchases) | Zen Koi(Free with in-app purchases)  | AbyssRium(Free with in-app purchases) | aniPet Marine Aquarium HD($1.99)
    

Plant Nanny

• iOS | Android (Free with in-app purchases)
• Combine the stress relief of gardening with the convenience of your smartphone with these apps. In particular Plant Nanny integrates fun and health in the form of reminders to drink water for both the user's customizable virtual plant and in real life for the user themselves. Check out some alternate apps that require a bit more strategizing by growing an entire succulent plant garden, powering up the user's plant evolution by walking in real life, or indulging in a bit of virtual bonsai.
  
• Other Alternatives
  • Viridi : iOS | Android (Free with in-app purchases)
  • Pocket Plants: iOS | Android(Free with in-app purchases)
  • Prune: iOS | Android ($3.99)