Breathe2Relax app

This app begins with a video explaining diaphragmatic breathing. When stressed or anxious users can start the breathing tool which has both a visual and audio component guiding them through 16 deep breaths. The app allows users to rate and keep track of their stress levels over time. The app has a ‘learn’ section which includes information on the biology of stress, the effects of stress on different parts of the body, and diaphragmatic breathing. For a more detailed description of the app, see Google Play(external link) or iTunes(external link) and for a detailed review, see reviews below.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dr Carlos Lam Yang, General Practitioner, Auckland
Date of review: November 2017
Platform: Android
Version: 2.9
Comments: The app is for anyone particularly those going through a lot of stress. Users can learn how to relieve stress, anxiety and depression via breathing techniques. The app is easy to follow with minimum jargon. Users can select their preferred background music and graphics (although users are unable to select a soundtrack from their own collection). There is a lack of other colour palettes to choose and a lack of other languages.
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: The app is relevant to all English-speaking culture.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dr S Vijay, General Practitioner, Auckland
Date of review: November 2017
Comments: The app helps users with anxiety, stress and depression to learn to breathe. The app is easy to use and practical; - it gives a brief background on basics of breathing. 
Safety concerns: If not used properly the breathing exercise in the app may cause dizziness.
New Zealand relevance: Fine