Resources

Need a Break?

Whether you're new to Des Moines, or just looking for some fresh ideas for things to do to relax and unwind, we've compiled a great list of local options for just about any hobby, activity or event you might have interest in. So, take a little time for yourself and discover all that the city has to offer!

There’s an App for That

With all of the apps that are available out there, it can be difficult to know which ones might be helpful. So, the SCC has done some of the work for you! Below are a variety of apps that are our top picks for stress relief. Most are free and all are well-reviewed, so if you’re looking for something new to add to your stress management routine, give them a try!

Relaxation

1. BellyBio Interactive Breathing
   Platform: iOS
   Price: Free
   Description: BellyBio is based on a biofeedback model, using lights and music that synchronize with your breathing. This then encourages abdominal breathing to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
2. Breathe2Relax
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Price: Free
   Description: Provides information about the stress response and its effect on the body, teaching users diaphragmatic breathing to help reduce tension and stress.
3. Deep Relax
   Platform: iOS
   Price: Free, additional sound add-ons for $3.99
   Description: Deep Relax allows users to mix sounds to create their own relaxing melodies that can be a good accompaniment to meditation. The app also has clock, timer, and alarm features.
4. Relax Melodies: Sleep and Yoga
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Price: Free
   Description: Features a variety of white noise, ambient sounds, and melodies that can be mixed together to assist with meditation, sleep, and relaxation.

Stress Relief

1. Happify
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Price: Free
   Description:  Happify allows users to establish personal goals and then suggests activities consistent with these goals, including strategies to help cope with stress, challenge negative thoughts, and build self-confidence.
2. Optimism
   Platform: iOS
   Price: Free
   Description: Optimism provides a format for tracking moods and emotional “triggers” to assist users in understanding related patterns. This information can then be used to develop strategies for responding to stressors and maintaining positive mood.
3. Positive Activity Jackpot
   Platform: Android
   Price: Free
   Description: Uses the concept of pleasant event scheduling to assist users in finding nearby options for fun activities and allows users to invite friends. The app can also generate suggestions for activities in the user’s area.
4. Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Price: Free
   Description: Provides two meditation recordings, “Work Break” or “Stress Relief” that can be listened to with or without accompanying music and nature sounds.

Improving Sleep

1. Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Price: $2.99
   Description: Deep Sleep uses guided meditation to help clear a user’s mind and achieve deep, restful sleep.
2. Pzizz
   Platform: iOS, Android
   Price: Free
   Description: Pzizz uses voice, sound effects, and music to create unique soundtracks to help users fall asleep. A different soundtrack is created each time a user plays it (over 100 billion combinations possible).
3. SleepBot Sleep Cycle Alarm
   Platform: Android
   Price: Free
   Description: Records movements and sound while sleeping to provide a comprehensive sleep analysis. Allows users to review their sleep statistics, provides resources to help fall asleep, and utilizes an alarm that awakens users during their lightest sleep cycle.
4. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
   Platform: iOS
   Price: $1.99
   Description: Monitors movement during sleep and provides users with their sleep statistics. The alarm feature awakens users during their lightest sleep phase to make waking easier.