KISS MY APP: Fix my head

Sometimes, it's difficult to tell the difference between relaxed and asleep. When we go on holidays, it takes us at least two weeks to relax, at which time it's usually the end of the holiday and time to get back to work. Know the feeling? In the last two weeks we've focussed on getting fit for summer and in this, the final of our three-week series, we're going to focus on our mental health. Or what's left of it. So, if you don't have the money for a psychologist, or the time for kickboxing, or the fame or fortune to hurl a TV out your hotel room window, have a go at these stress-busting apps for the not so rich or famous.

iRelax Melodies

When Kiss My App was born, one of the first apps we were recommended was a sleep aid app. We poo pooed the idea almost immediately, but have revisited it for this column. Now, we can't remember how we slept without one!

This particular version, a free app for iPhone and iPod, gives you the option of river, ocean, flute, rain, winds, music box, lounge music or bird sounds, or a combination of all or any of them.

It's strange how intoxicating the sounds are – so much more effective than counting stupid, jumping sheep. Just a word of warning: don't use the 'river music' setting on its own. Listening to river sounds as you sleep may require you to buy plastic sheets.

iShatter

This app for iPhone and iPod Touch only costs you $1.19, while to actually destroy a mirror, TV, wine glasses or large window pane would cost a hell of a lot more, so this surely represents great value for money.

You just tap the screen to cause whatever level of destruction is required to ease your stress levels. The wine glass option is particularly satisfying, I think because they make a punching or exploding sound that reminds me of my temper. Or, if TVs and mirrors don't take your fancy, shatter someone you know by importing a photo of your own. Got a photo of the boss handy? The TV one is also deeply impressive, because it makes a strange, dying, electrical noise that makes you feel like you have actually just killed something. If that's not going to relieve your stress, I don't know what is.

Bubble Wrap

Remember when you were two years old and your dad unwrapped the new TV and you jumped all over the bubble wrap? (You know you did it.) And when your wife/husband/children are out of the room, YOU STILL DO.

This free app is surely designed for tension, rather than stress. Basically you have a certain number of plastic blisters to pop, you can choose the size of the blisters, and a timer will tell you how long it takes you to pop them all.

It might be the childhood euphoria induced by the popping sound, but this app is a great tension releaser. And it makes you feel just a little bit naughty and destructive. Just try not to giggle like a maniac when you use it on the train.

iZen Garden Lite

"In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few," says Shunryu Suzuki, in my daily zen. Welcome to my zen garden.

iZen Garden Lite is the free version of iZen garden for iPhone and iPod Touch. You can find your inner peace and calm with sand and elements. Don't look like that, please! It's very relaxing, we'll have you know.

So you get a rake and you rake the sand. And you place stones or fountains or whatever and you design yourself a little sanctuary of relaxation. And you can choose the music – either light rain or traditional Japanese bells.

This little app is designed to help you switch off – to change from work mode into home mode. You can use on the train, or perhaps when you walk in the door, just to give your mind some space to breathe and do the transition.

Give it a go. You might be surprised.

If you have an application, for any device, that you'd like to suggest for review, please email us at kissmyapp@businessspectator.com.au