Mobile App Soothes Pandemic Stress

As we struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are mainly staying home and limiting their social activities, which could effectively ratchet up stress and anxiety over time. A team of researchers at the University of Arizona are hoping their new creation, a mobile app called See Me Serene, will help with the aid of guided imagery.
Judith Gordon, UArizona Nursing Associate Dean for Research, and her team received a seed grant from BIO5 Institute to develop the app, which is designed to decrease anxiety related to social isolation.

“Using a simple mHealth app to deliver Guided Imagery audio files will provide endless possibilities for simulating outdoor experiences for the millions of Americans experiencing social isolation,” Dr. Gordon said.

Users of the app are able to select from more than 50 different audio files, each describing a different outdoor experience. The app also contains links to mental health resources that are available 24/7.

The See Me Serene App is available from the App Store and Google Play. Find more information here.