Synopsis of the App
Created by the National Center for Telegraph and Technology, the Breathe2Relax app is a portable skill rehearsal tool designed to take users through guided diaphragmatic breathing exercises. The app can be used as a standalone stress management tool or to supplement face-to-face healthcare.
Pros
Practice and perform breathing sessions directly from the app.
Easily customize scenery, music and the number of cycles in a breathing exercise.
Accessible wherever and whenever stress strikes (as long as you have your smartphone).
Includes instructional videos and articles covering the biology of stress, understanding diaphragmatic breathing and the effects of stress on the body.
Allows you to establish personal exhale and inhale breath lengths for optimal comfort.
Calming voice encourages being patient and comfortable with diaphragmatic breathing before moving on with the guided exercises.
Provides wellness tips, such as, “going to bed and waking at the same time daily helps create good sleep hygiene.”
Displays a visual breathing gauge and tracks the breathing cycles that remain in each exercise.
Rate and document pre- and post-stress levels using a sliding scale from relaxed to stressed.
Identify trends using the Breathe2Relax graphs that automatically compile stress ratings before and after breathing exercises are completed.
Offers the necessary precautions, advising users who experience difficulty breathing, dizziness or nervousness to return to normal breathing.
Cons
Logo and graphics appear dated.
The print (white on blue background or blue on black background) may be difficult for some users to read.
It's an app. The screen time may interfere with the potential relaxation benefits.
Images flash with each inhalation or exhalation which may be stimulating versus relaxing.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an easy entry to breathing exercises, this app is definitely worth a download. Though lacking any fancy graphics, the Breathe2Relax app delivers guided breathing exercises that may help you power through a stressful day or simply slow things down. It's easy-to-use and ready when you are.
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
