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Whether you’re stressed from work or just need to take a moment of calm, it can be hard to remember to fit it in when you have a busy schedule. There is even a day to help people do just that - National Relaxation Day, celebrated annually on August 15th. On that day, we’re encouraged to take a break from stress and anxiety and do something they truly find relaxing. Whether it’s going on spa break or just reading a book – it’s all about having time to chill in a way that works for you.

 

And if you’re looking for another kind of chill, be sure to check out our competition at the bottom of the page. We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan. Not only is it super powerful, it’s whisper quiet too. So, it won’t interrupt your moment of peace.

 

One of the best ways you can reduce stress in your day is with a little meditation or mindfulness. And there’s no need to run off to a yoga retreat. There are loads of amazing apps that can help you get into the healthy habit of taking some quiet time. Here are 4 of our faves. Deep breath…

 

Apple Fitness+ and Apple Mindfulness

 

 

Apple Fitness+ has guided meditation sessions with experienced teachers – from 5 to 45 minutes per session. But it’s not all just sitting and breathing. Their Mindfulness Cooldown combines stretching with relaxation, and they have lots of yoga classes too. As for the meditation, it’s cut into different categories to help you with specific issues - whether it’s stress reduction, improved sleep or enhanced focus. Meanwhile, Apple Mindfulness is specifically for Apple Watch owners. On the small, square screen you can either follow a full meditation session or you can get a reminder to take a few rejuvenating breaths.

 

Fitness+ on iOS

Mindfulness on Apple Watch

 

Headspace

 

 

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation apps, famous for its user-friendly interface and massive library of guided meditations. With its search function, you can find a meditation for almost any situation. Woke up in the night and can’t get back to sleep? There’s a meditation for that. And sleep stories too. Going on a walk and what to be more mindful? There’s a mindful activity you can listen to. They have podcasts, daily schedules that are easy to follow and courses galore. Headspace makes meditation accessible for beginners while also providing advanced content for aspiring yogis.

 

Available on iOS and Android

 

Calm

 

 

Calm is another highly popular app that focuses on meditation, relaxation and getting better sleep. Not only will you find traditional meditation practices, but there’s famous voices reading bedtime stories, soothing soundtracks and breathing exercises designed to help you unwind. The app's Daily Calm feature provides a new meditation each day, making sure you stick to mindfulness practice. And there are also long-term courses you can take tailored to what you want to get out of mindfulness. 

 

Available on iOS and Android

 

Balance

 

 

Balance was created to fit the needs of whoever’s using the app – so no two experiences are alike. Balance asks users a series of questions to understand their goals, then tailors meditation programs to fit. Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, improve focus or get on in your career, Balance helps you build a mindfulness practice you can stick to - and that will evolve with your progress. You can always adjust the time of your meditation sessions. So, there’s always the chance to find a quick moment of calm, even if you’re rushing out the door!

Right now, Balance is doing a one-year free membership – so it might be worth a go.

Available on iOS and Android

 

So, why not whip out your phone, download a few of these apps and see which one works for you.

 

Win a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK!

 

 

Want to stay calm and cool? We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK. It’s cool, super quiet and has 12 different modes – including outdoors, cordless and tabletop – so you can take it with you pretty much anywhere. It’s also water resistant, so is even pool splash and British summer weatherproof too! 

To enter, just share your best relaxation and mindfulness tips with the Community below.

Entries close at 23:59 on 19th August 2024. Winners are chosen at random, and we'll announce the lucky iD community member shortly after. Stay calm, you’ve still got time to win.

lunchtime walks around the park.

The best way I like to relax is by spending time outdoors in nature. Whether it's going for a hike in the mountains, lounging on the beach, or simply taking a walk in the park, being surrounded by the beauty of the natural world helps me unwind and clear my mind. I also enjoy reading a good book with a cup of tea, practicing yoga to de-stress, or indulging in a pampering spa day. These activities help me recharge and find inner peace, making me feel rejuvenated and ready to face whatever comes my way.

I find it difficult to relax, I’m always on the go! I find that gardening is a good way to switch off and forget everything 🌻

I use the mindful app to help me relax at the end of the day, before bed time. It helps me unwind and release the tension of my day and it also helps me when I'm overwhelmed from the day to day load of being a mum to 2 young daughters. Having an escape for even 30 minutes makes the world of difference 

Heavy metal and lifting weights! 🏋️️‍♀️ 

I love to sit under a tree, listening to the wind rustling the leaves as I lose myself in a great book.

Hide under the bed clothes from all that is going on…

I spend time in the garden to relax and recharge. Being outside around plants and hearing birdsong makes me feel grounded and happy.

It's important to spend time doing something you enjoy, whether that be a hobby or just relaxing with a book and a cup of tea. I find this helps me to relax 😌 

Prayer, walking, hiking, swimming and gym.

sometimes I would just sit at home doing nothing which gives me a really good boost.

My favourite way of relaxing during the school holidays is overtime. 

Escape to nature. Simple and available to everyone, wherever they are.

When I'm stressed out and want to relax, I make a coffee with my coffee machine, sit in the garden and relax with my dog 

Falling asleep in the arms of someone you love is the best ❤️

Workout! Find some time every day to stretch and do some form of exercise. Get your steps in and clear your head at the same time. 

Read! Disappear from our world and drop into someone else's for a little while.

Sleep and exercise 💕

Sticking on white noise through the setting on iPhone, and pretending I’m not in the UK, whilst drifting off into the ocean 🌊🐠

My best tip for relaxation is to put some heavy metal on your sound system,  get a hair brush and sing into it standing in front of the mirror.  I have found doing this a couple of times a week for about 30 mins blows the cobwebs out and leaves you feeling relaxed and energised and ready to take on the world!

Wine, chocolate and sex but never all at the same time. 

Walking with my dog Charlie 

 

A nice walk in nature followed by relaxing with your feet up on the couch with a good book.

. I use to work in a school as a Lego teacher. The children loved building and explaining their builds. When a child was Struggling with their emotions, Lego calmed them. Now I’m retired I still love Lego. My happy place is in my spare room (Lego room) Sorting Lego, researching pieces, building, buying and selling. Do what makes you happy, even if it’s just for  a few minutes a day..

When you’re feeling overwhelmed try to break things down to take the pressure off. One hour at a time, everything in stages. Break large tasks down by doing a section at a time rather than focusing on everything as a whole, just one thing at a time and you will be surprised by how much more you can achieve.

I sit in the garden when it's quiet evening and chillaxing with the wind sound

Create somewhere in your garden to sit and enjoy nature or visit a local park.

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