Skip to main content

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.

One of my favourite ways to relax is to get out in the fresh air and walk preferably somewhere close to nature where it is quiet, could be a local park, wildlife sanctuary or out into the country on a designated rambling route. When that’s not feasible, sit quietly and immerse yourself in a good book or go to a weekly yoga class. 


Regular tea breaks are essential to stay normalised while working from home, doing something outside that you really like and have a quick chat with someone that appreciates you. Simple yet effective.


To relax I enjoy small DIY projects and decorating which I find also keeps my mind healthy and my body fit. I also meet friends/family for a coffee.


To relax I often get a bath and spend 1 hour in there without any distractions such as my mobile phone and social media, it allows me to completely switch off and have some peace and quiet. I also recommend reading in the bath too as this can help relax. 


I head to the coast, nothing like a walk on the beach taking in the sea air to help cut off from reality, have a little reset and forget about everything going on.


I go fishing, relaxes me, lowers my blood pressure and I can forget about the stresses of life, it doesn't even bother me if I don't catch anything anymore, just being away from everything is enough for me.


Best way for relaxation & mindfulness, is to knock one out, you only need a minute of your time but geeezzz it makes you feel more relaxed and after a quick clean up your ready for the next part of your day


A nice walk along the beach with the tide coming in :)

Blue sky and big fluffy white clouds 

Absolute dreamy :)


Listen to stevie wonder


To relax and unwind I play tennis in my local park in North London, which is surrounded by trees and birdsong. It’s a beautiful location and I enjoy being with my friends, laughing and running around… whether it be sunny or cold, it always hives me a warm fuzzy feeling!


  • Deep breathing can help you feel calmer by sending a message to your brain to relax. 

 


Make a reason to go outside, breathe the air, get a few steps in and be thankful for what you have.


Taking a minute alone spoil yourself with your favourite drink and take a walk in the woods or a field if I don’t have time for a walk I just sit outside. Add ocean waves on YouTube or even better finding a river or something and just sit clear your mind and take in your surroundings is always my favourite. Change your surroundings & your focus to allow a break from stress xx


Take time by the sea ...if you can. Pausing to listen to the waves and other sounds, sensing the rhythm of the tide. There is something restorative about sea air and a wide horizon. If the coast is too far, then a river or lakeside walk is a next best thing, with it’s own distinctive sights and sounds to take in. We live in a beautiful world. Enjoy it!


I would recommend a practice called the body scan to everybody. You lay somewhere comfortable, close your eyes and tune in to each part of your body one by one, the idea that you accept your body exactly as it is and breathe into it, then letting each part go. I find its especially good for settling my mind to sleep or if Im feeling particularly stressed.


Walking in the countryside, away from traffic, has always been my life saver. Whether it is raining or sunny a walk through the trees and fields will always make you feel better. No head phones are necessary as they detract from the beauty of your surroundings. It’s the little things in life that can bring you joy - a walk by the bubbling brook listening to the splashing of the water as it rolls over the stones, listening for the birds singing, or the wind blowing through the trees. Have you ever taken the time to really see how many shades of green there actually are in nature? Walking though an area when the bluebells are in flower has to be my real paradise. Walking is kind to your joints, great for your lungs, helps your circulation and calms your mind. What’s not to love about it! It’s also free to us all! Perfect!


Aromatherapy helps me relax. I use during my day at work and throughout my home - in diffusers, baths, pillow misters, roller ball dispensers and of course massages. Amazing natural smells help me relax and unwind, different blends creating different moods helping bring mindfulness stresslessness and calm. 


During a rare day off from work and without housework/admin duties, I like to go out for country walks, travel to other towns or visit museums, tourist attractions etc. I don’t like sitting around at home or looking at screens all day!

 

That said, cleaning the house can be oddly therapeutic and winning the prize would help make the housework duties a bit easier.😁


Simple 10 minute meditation works wonders for me. 


I make sure whatever the weather I spend some time outside. A gentle walk in the country side while listening to my favourite tunes is a real blessing. 


Only way is fishing from my campervan 🙂 complete bliss!


Finding time for myself is always my issue but I make sure that on a Sunday afternoon, I make myself a latte & take myself off for a long hot bath, with no husband or kids interrupting me. Bliss!


Being in a swimming pool, relaxing on my back looking at the clouds and having happy thoughts.

 


spending time with horses works for me, grooming, riding or just watching


Walking the dog gives time to clear the mind every day