Waterfalls, Rain Sounds and Relaxation

Over the years in school, I have discovered that not only do showers and the sound of running bath tubs help me to relax and think, but also helps me to understand difficult textbooks and articles.  Unfortunately, I cannot stay in the bathroom all day with the tap running, so I've turned to some alternatives. 

Now, when I'm at my computer, I tend to go to the Niagara Falls Webcam from the Hilton Fallsview Hotel.  It provides quite soothing rushing water sounds that also act as a good sound barrier for other sensory issues. 

However, when I'm away from my computer, I need to rely on Apps to provide me with anxiety reducing sounds.  So I took a look at quite a few.  Instead of doing independent posts for all of them, I'm putting together the ones I found worked the best, mainly that they did not stop when my iPod went idle. 

eSleep lite

 eSleep lite is perhaps my favourite.  Developed by Vanke Software, the lite version is free on Apple devices.  Tracks can be customized with multiple music and sounds.  A timer and alarm can be set.  Recordings can be made, and it doesn't shut off when in idle.  Unfortunately, it does not work in the background.  

SleepMaker

Sleepmaker has a number of apps, most focusing on specific sound tracks.  The one I like and tested was the storm app.  It includes various 45 min tracks of different storms and rain sounds.  While it has no timer, it does work in idle and in the background, so I could multitask on my iPod. 

There are both free lite versions and paid pro versions available on Apple and Android devices. 

Relax Waterfall

Relax Waterfall is a freebie part of the paid app Napuru, which includes the other sounds and tracks not included in this one.  From what I can tell, the only difference in the apps is the collection of tracks.  The free version is pretty good as it is, with a single track of a waterfall.  It also has an alarm, and works in the background and in idle. 

SleepStream Classic Lite

I tried the SleepStream Classic Lite, although now Explosive Apps has more versions out for 99¢ to 8.99$.  The Classic Lite version is still free though.  It has a selection of tracks, such as birdsong, rain, and ocean waves.  The player is very simple and easy to use, and plays in idle and in the background.   So it's a very decent player. 

Personally, I think that the tricky part with relaxation tracks is finding the right one that works for you.  So what would work for me might not work for other autistics.  However, I feel that these four apps are the best choices currently available. 

The Miracle Modus

I found out about this app in the most interesting way.  Basically, I happen to know the programmer/developer who made this, being a long-time friend of a mutual friend, and follow both of them on Tumblr. 

The Miracle Modus

Seebs is an autistic programmer who made the Miracle Modus as a way to migrate sensory overload and stress.  It provides rhythmic rainbow shapes and bell sounds in a variety of patterns that can be soothing.

While even Seebs admits that not all autistic people will benefit from the app, especially when the patterns are subtle and the sounds not right, there have been quite a few reports and reviews that say it has been very helpful.  

I tried it myself, because I find spiralling patterns and sounds to be calming.  Sometimes I found a lack of control with the settings.  While I could turn off certain modes, there is no way (at this time; Seebs is continuing to work on it and does appreciate feedback) to flip between modes in a controlled manner. 

Overall, I felt myself relaxed while watching, listening and playing with it, and highly suggest it for people who like and find moving shapes and bell sounds relaxing. 

It is free and available for most Apple devices and Android devices. 

Mood Pad and Art of Glow

Doing two at once, since these two are very similar Apps; fun ways to deal with sensory issues through playing with colour. 

A Mood Pad - Heat Sensitive Surface,a free App by Octarine Flame, was recommended by the ASD iPod Touch Project.  However, I found that the App did not respond very well, and I had to press down on my iPod very hard in order to get any response from it.  Which isn't good for some of the delicate workings of the newer iPods.

I wasn't very impressed with it, and to be honest, was bored quickly with it.

On the App store, I found Art of Glow, a free App by Natenai Ariyatrakool, that I actually enjoy.  With it, I can make some lovely glowing patterns to play and stare at, which has for me a better calming effect.  The patterns continue until the canvas is cleared off, which means I can return to the last pattern I created.  It's kind of like being able to create and watch a light show.  It's main purpose is to draw and create artwork, which is also fun.


There is also a Pro version, where users are able to save their artwork, for $1.99

The controls are easy to understand and use, and can be used by Autistics of different ages, making this an excellent sensory App.