Stress is a part of everyday life, but sometimes it can take its toll. There are days when you just want to get out of your own head for awhile. Watching a show or reading a book can be a way to relax, but those don't always work. If you're out and about, you can't really dive into anything too meaty or lengthy. Here is a library of relaxation you can always have in your pocket no matter where you are.
1. King Saga Games
Candy Crush has stood the test of time and still has quite a few active players. Swipe different colored candies to clear the board. It's as simple as that. But if you're over Candy Crush, check out the rest of the King games. They all have similar mechanics, but different cute icons to match. Pick your favorite and play your way to relaxation.
2. Cooking Dash
Have you ever wanted to be a reality TV chef? Now's your chance with Cooking Dash. This game is an extension of the classic Diner Dash and Cooking Dash desktop games and it doesn't disappoint. Expect hundreds of fast-paced levels where you cook and serve food before customers get angry and leave. This is a great game to wash all of your worries away a few minutes at a time. If you're not a fan of Flo, there is also a version of the game featuring Gordon Ramsay — with in-game narrations by the man himself.
3. Two Dots
Two Dots is a simple puzzle game where you connect different color dots to meet your goals. There are no timed levels, giving you infinite time to solve the puzzle. The game also features several different themed locations that you can unlock as you progress. This game's cute graphics and simple gameplay will help you slow your heart rate on a particularly stressful day.
4. Mini Metro
Ever find yourself wishing your city's metro system was better? Now you can create your own from scratch. Mini Metro has you re-creating the metro systems of various cities around the world. Draw new rail lines, upgrade cars and more. This game is the perfect balm when you find our your train is delayed or when you're stuck in any kind of traffic.
5. Threes
A couple years ago, 2048 took the app world by storm. This free-to-play game was based on the $3 app Threes. You swipe numbered tiles across the board. Ones and twos will combine to make three. From there on, you work to combine pairs of the same number to get the highest possible score. Once you're out of moves, the game ends. Players earn achievements for reaching certain numbers. You can play this game with intense strategy or mindlessly match as many numbers as you can. (Try it for free here.) It's great for killing time while waiting in line, traveling or while you're on hold with customer service.
6. Viridi
Love plants but can't keep them alive? Viridi is a personal garden in your pocket. The app allows you to pick your pot, plant seeds, and water them as they grow. If you're a terrible gardener in real life, you don't need to worry. These virtual plants are much more forgiving than their actual counterparts. And if you do end up killing them, you're a few taps away from starting up a new garden guilt-free. Unwind at the end of the day by checking in on your virtual succulent garden.
7. Pokémon GO
Sometimes, the best way to unwind is through exercise. There are plenty of fitness apps out there to keep track of your walking distance or run time, but there's nothing quite as fun as Pokémon GO. The hype for the game has died down somewhat, but it's still a great incentive to get up and go outside. In the game, you can walk your pokémon to earn more rewards and incubate eggs based on your steps. With just a short walk every day, you'll be well on your way to building up your collection. (I play this game every day and I can't tell you how much zen it gives me.) This app is a very fun way to gamify your exercise routine.