The therapeutic effects of music have been well documented. For example, healthcare workers often play music for patients in hospitals in order to help take their mind off chronic pain or discomfort. Also, it’s typical of many therapists to use music during sessions in order to establish trust. Even surgeons play music in the operating room in order to boost focus. As for relaxation, there are few things more naturally soothing to the human body than music.
And in a hectic world where everyone is connected through modern technology, it’s never been more important to find time to take a moment, disconnect and relax. Ironically, it happens to be the smartphones that dominate many people’s lives that can provide an efficient method for relaxation. With that in mind, here are some iPhone apps designed specifically for relaxation that utilize music.
Yoga Relax — $0.99
Yoga is popular among a great many people in modern society. But there is an equal number of folks interested in this practice who can never seem to find the time to attend classes. This is where Yoga Relax comes in. This iPhone app brings the class to the privacy of the user’s home and come with pre-programmed sequences and voice prompts that are great for beginners. It’s also fully customizable.
The app comes equipped with default music, but it also allows the user to upload his or her own playlist.
iZen Garden – free
The art of Zen garden maintenance is about as ancient and elemental as one activity can be. But, surprisingly, iZen Garden takes this Far East method of relaxation and successfully adapts it to the iPhone. Those who don’t see the point in tending a virtual rock garden obviously have not tried this freakishly addicting and relaxing app. Like Yoga Relax, music and function is fully customizable.
iBonsai – $0.99
Like iZen Garden, iBonsai takes a familiar Japanese cultural concept and updates it for the digital age. Those suffering from much stress at work may find solace in watching their virtual trees grow and thrive. The soothing music that comes stock with the app helps as well. And for those who just need to take out their aggression on something beautiful, a quick shake of the iPhone will cause the leaves of the Bonsai tree to fall off.
Ambiance — $0.99
This app relies more on natural sounds than music, but it is still an auditory pleasure ideal for relaxation. Users can play various soothing ambient noises – from nature sounds to wind chimes — in order to drown out more aggressive noises such as the incessant chatter of coworkers or the boom of construction work.
My Meditation — $2.99
Studies have shown that meditation allows for stress reduction on a physiological level. That’s why so many people have taken up the practice in order to find a center in their lives. This iPhone app is light on bells and whistles, focusing instead on providing a practical meditation environment for the user complete with music, a timer and breathing prompts.
These are just a few apps that use music in order to help users relax. Even spending a few minutes a day with one of these technologically based options will likely help the user achieve a bit of mental harmony in a technologically based world.
Justin Miller is a professional blogger that writes for Jamplay.com. JamPlay is a leading online music educator offering 2,000+ online guitar lesson videos in HD.
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Twitter: seomanipulator
Thanks for the suggestions, I don’t mind paying a dollar or so for a good app, i will have to try some of these out.
Twitter: iOSUniverse
A lot of people will disagree with me, but I think that sometimes games can be used to help with relaxation as well. Osmos is a great example of this, and one of my favorite games to help me relax after a long day of work, or when I’m stressed out.
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