Pause for thought

The app, Pause, has a simple interface that begins with ambient music and a small amorphous shape floating on the screen. Users are asked to put their finger on the colourful blob, and as they drag it across the screen, it begins to swell in size, slowly filling the window. And at one point, the app asks you to close your eyes and continue to listen to the music – by this point you have reached the moment of focus and relaxation.

Although it may seem counter-intuitive to turn to technology for stress relief, ustwo and PauseAble believe the app proves otherwise. ‘Smartphones are often called out for increasing stress in our modern society, but we’re turning that assumption on its head,’ says Marcus Woxneryd, ustwo Nordics head of studio. ‘We can use technology to get similar results to the traditional principles of Tai Chi and mindfulness – but in minutes, rather than months or years of dedicated training.’

The Big Picture: Technology may seem to be an enabler of stress and anxiety, but it can also be the cure. For more, see our Calm Tech section of The Optimised Self macrotrend.